Barcelona City Council will deploy 75 new shade structures across the city this summer. This initiative aims to reach more than 200 such spaces by May 2027, the end of the current mandate. The new structures include 38 in children's play areas, 21 in various public spaces, and 16 in schoolyards.
Mayor Jaume Collboni announced the plan on Wednesday, joined by chief architect Maria Buhigas. He described the creation of these new spaces as extending a "big parasol in the city, equivalent to 2 football pitches." This municipal shade plan is one of the most important and new initiatives from the council, institutionalising a policy previously almost non-existent.
Cooling Barcelona's Public Spaces
These shade structures will benefit many areas across Barcelona. Notable locations include Plaça Joanic in Gràcia and Plaça Lesseps in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. Parc de Les Rieres in Horta-Guinardó will receive the largest single shade area, covering up to 600 square metres. Additionally, the skate park in Plaça de la Marina in Sants-Montjuïc will also gain new shade.
Mayor Collboni stated that, like heatwaves, shade has "arrived in the city to stay." This plan helps reclaim public space for all residents, especially vulnerable populations, during the hottest months. Barcelona experiences increasingly intense summer heat, making these cooling measures critical for public health and comfort.
Iconic Locations to Receive Shade
The City Council has already approved projects for installing shade in three iconic locations. These are Passeig Marítim near Bogatell beach, Plaça Comercial where the old Born market stands, and Portal de l'Àngel avenue. Each design is unique and tailored to its surroundings.
For Passeig Marítim, the plan covers about 1,600 square metres. It features a structure of columns topped with white fabric in wave-like shapes, creating a dune-like landscape to complement the beach and sea. Plaça Comercial will see rhomboid fabrics covering approximately 1,400 square metres, echoing the geometric patterns of the old Born market's façade and roof. Portal de l'Àngel avenue will receive a light structure supported by buildings and metal posts. This design incorporates hexagonal modules inspired by the tile designed by Antoni Gaudí, covering around 2,000 square metres of the promenade.
Project Timelines and Challenges
The shade installation at Passeig Marítim remains on schedule for June 2027. However, the Plaça Comercial project has been postponed to May 2028. The timeline for Portal de l'Àngel avenue is still undefined. This delay is due to the project's "certain complexity," particularly the presence of heritage-protected buildings in the area. These protected structures require careful planning and execution to ensure their preservation during construction. The council continues to work through these challenges to bring shade to these important city locations.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
