Superblocks

L.A. Approves ‘Park Block’ Program
Inspired by Barcelona’s superblocks, the program aims to limit car traffic in small areas to improve safety and create new park spaces.

Could Los Angeles Emulate Barcelona’s ‘Superblocks’?
A proposal in the city council could bring the ‘superblock’ model to Los Angeles, opening up neighborhood streets to more biking, walking, and public amenities.

Barcelona's Long-Term, Pedestrian-First Plan Continues with the 'Barcelona Superblock'
Mayor Ada Colau announced the next step in Barcelona's plan to convert the city center into a "new city for the present and the future."

A New Mixed-Use Superblock for Portland
A former industrial site on the edge of Portland, Oregon's urban core is planned with major urbanism ambitions.

What Would Cities Look Like if They Were Designed by Women?
Cities are built by men, and so too often urban design does not reflect the needs, perspectives, and realities of women.

Barcelona's Ambitious Plan to Become a Post-Car City
Barcelona is planning to expand on its initial superblock experiment in an attempt to ease the stranglehold of car congestion and air pollution gripping the dense city.
Barcelona Needs Swift Action Against Pollution
The capital of Catalunya is suffering from persistent high pollution due to car density and the largest number of motorcycles in Europe. City administrators, aware of the situation, have been unwilling to take any action that would upset drivers.
Calgary's Fused Grid, the Barcelona's Superilles in the Sprawl
The Fused Grid incorporates and extends the principles underpinning Barcelona’s transformation to the design of street networks on undeveloped land.
Barcelona’s First Superblock: Fighting the Power of Habit and Wavering Political Will
Two weeks ago, after nearly two decades of waiting, Barcelona urban designer Salvador Rueda finally saw the first "Superilla" (Superblock) installed in the city. The superblock faced fierce opposition from unhappy residents and local businesses.
Barcelona's Answer to a Car-Centric City: Superblocks
Barcelona wants to be the world’s best city for people. To reclaim the public space and community living that residents lost to cars over the last century, the city is transforming mobility and access to public space by introducing the superblock.

Barcelona 'Superblocks' Aim to Cut Down on Cars
Seeking relief from noise, pollution, and incessant traffic, the city of Barcelona has a bold plan to repurpose street space. "Superblocks" will route cars around the perimeter, leaving interior streets open for walkers and bikes.

Why the New Urbanist Visionary Who Coined 'TOD' Wants to Retire It
In a wide-ranging interview with Metropolis Magazine, CNU founding member Peter Calthorpe opines on China's planning process, the future of America's suburbs, CA high-speed rail, and why he would retire the term 'transit oriented development'.
Can China Ditch the Cars and Superblocks for More Livable Cities?
In his work developing plans for six new cities in China, Peter Calthorpe has a unique perspective on what the country must do to build sustainable cities to house its growing urban population. He shares his insights with Fortune's Brian Dumaine.
Repairing Superblocks through Redevelopment
Arlington, Virginia is using housing and redevelopment to repair the superblock-dominated street grid of Crystal City.
Slicing and Dicing Superblocks
If 'superblocks' are so bad, why are we still building more of them?
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research