Client: Diputació de Barcelona
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Year: 2023
The Maternitat site in Barcelona, previously a maternity hospital, is being transformed into a diverse multi-use campus that incorporates healthcare and administrative services, research and educational facilities, and green spaces. This project involved conducting an urban health analysis to assess the potential health impacts of the transformation and developing strategies to optimise health benefits for future users and the broader community.
Methodology
The analysis was grounded in the Healthy Cities approach, focusing on how urban planning and design influence health determinants. It involved:
- Data collection on the site’s current state and planned interventions.
- Analysis of urban health determinants like walkability, green spaces, social infrastructure, and environmental quality.
- Identification of health opportunities and risks associated with the proposed changes.
Recommendations
To maximise the health benefits of the Maternitat campus transformation, the study proposed several recommendations:
- Prioritise green and blue spaces: increase the amount and quality of green spaces, incorporate water features, and ensure green spaces are accessible and inclusive.
- Promote active mobility: design streets for pedestrians and cyclists, improve public transport access, and reduce car dependency.
- Foster social interaction: create diverse public spaces, encourage community engagement, and support social initiatives.
- Mitigate environmental risks: implement measures to reduce noise and air pollution, manage traffic effectively, and promote sustainable building practices.
Conclusions
By integrating health considerations into the planning and design process, the project can enhance the wellbeing of the area’s residents and contribute to a more equitable and livable city.
