Measuring neighbourhood change in public space: a public life study in Poblenou, Barcelona

Abstract

This research aims to learn if gentrification processes and neighbourhood change might be manifested in observable patterns of public life. Through the systematic observation of pedestrian movement, staying behaviour and other indicators, the study provides a diagnostic of the current conditions in four sites in the Poblenou neighbourhood of Barcelona: the Rambla of Poblenou, Pere IV at Trullàs, Mar Bella beach, and the Superilla. The research team observed public life from 8:00-24:00 hrs during a week in June 2018. The studydoes not find clear evidence of gentrification processes but there are systematic differences across sites. The Rambla performs best overall, with the highest level of pedestrian traffic, afternoon staying behaviour and gender balance. Three of the four sites are gendered spaces, in which men have a disproportionate use of public space. Describing the current patterns of public life may inform urban design interventions and serve as a baseline for long-term studies that aim to measure neighbourhood change.