Work

Spatial and social justice on and beyond the streets: reflections on Barcelona's mobility and housing policies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Faced with global crises, many cities are experimenting with new urban models to reduce car use, promoting more sustainable mobility and reclaiming public space and urban greenery. However, while certainly an improvement, these experiments also risk contributing to gentrification, increasing the cost of living and of housing in the areas concerned. This article considers the case study of Barcelona, and analyses how the municipal government, between 2015 and 2023, has sought to balance well known sustainable mobility policies, such as the superblock experiments, with housing policies aimed at mitigating these risks and expanding the supply of public housing.

Source: Habitat International

DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2026.103962

Authors: Gabriele D'Adda, Elisabetta Vitale Brovarone

Institutions: Politecnico di Torino, University of Turin

Language: English

Topic: Urban Planning and Governance

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560