Public Spaces vs Private spaces in Barcelona promoting urban model
Barcelona and its cultural implications from 80’s to 2000.
1. Describe the spaces for public use in Raval area. People, public spaces,
stores and private areas.
There are many tattoo
and piercing shops, low-cost supermarkets, bars, small restaurants, clothing
and design stores. The area is mostly
filled with locals even though it is right off of the Ramblas. The Raval has kept its authentic feeling as
protests stopped contractors from tearing down the Raval. Public spaces are well kept and clean. It is now cleaner than it was during the 80’s
and 90's when these areas were primarily filled with drug dealers and
prostitutes. In the large public areas
near the modern art museum, there are many skateboarders and bikers. The space in front of the museum is largely empty other than the many skaters.
2. Where is Raval placed in the city map? The most expensive area of the
core of Barcelona for public use. Explain it with words and images.
The Raval is off of the
Ramblas, on the opposite side of the Gothic district. One of the areas is the most expensive area
of the core for public use. It is
expansive and used for many municipal activities.
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| One of the areas of public use in El Raval. It is popular with skaters and in front of the museum of contemporary art |
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| An open square in El Raval |
3. Make a list of public buildings and explain its uses. What kind of
people are the targets of these buildings? Why youth were attracted to this
area?
Churches and convents
have been converted to offices and museums open to the public. One old monastery has been converted into a
government building. They are trying to attract young people to this area. Youth
are attracted by the empty spaces of the Raval and the ability to skate and act
like themselves devoid of masses of tourists.
4. What signs can you see in this neighborhood that explains its nature
(stores, bars, public buildings, street art, etc…)? Take photos of 5 examples
that justify your answer and show symbols of alternative sports and culture in
the area.
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| A sign calling a gathering of individuals in Plaza Universitat. |
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| Inspirational sign, calling for cooperation among individuals. |
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| One of the many small shops in the Raval. |
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| Call to a protest on Thursday about transportation in Barcelona. |
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| Skateboarders in El Raval |
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Another sign in the Raval. This is a picture of a street sign
and picture outside a store front.
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5. Conclusions: Why do you think the area of Raval district of Barcelona
has become one of culture in Europe during that period? Why do you think this
space have determined people’s action?
The Raval district of
Barcelona has been devoid of tourism and massive changes over the last twenty
years. It is a taste of authentic
Barcelona in a city where there were a lot of changes in preparation for the
Olympics. Dedication to the Raval has spurred much action by its citizens to stop renovations and redevelopment. The citizens feel that the Raval is good
enough as it is and it does not need to be changed. If it is developed and renovated, it can
become a major tourist destination, something that the citizens are trying to
avoid.
