Field Study Trip to Raval. Alternative Urban Spaces.

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.

One of the areas of public use in El Raval.  It is popular with skaters and in front of the museum of contemporary art

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.

A sign calling a gathering of individuals in Plaza Universitat.

Inspirational sign, calling for cooperation among individuals.

One of the many small shops in the Raval.  

Call to a protest on Thursday about transportation in Barcelona.

Skateboarders in El Raval

Another sign in the Raval.  This is a picture of a street sign
and picture outside a store front.

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.