Review of “Urban Processes and the Human-Scale: Measuring social interaction at pedestrian-scaled Superilles in Barcelona, Portland and Eugene,”
Through the article “Urban Processes and the Human-Scale: Measuring social interaction at pedestrian-scaled Superilles in Barcelona, Portland and Eugene,” we examine the framework of research to study social cohesion within Barcelona, particularly through Superilles, and compare this urban construction to other areas within the city as well as to urban areas in Eugene, Oregon and Portland, Oregon.
In order to measure social cohesion within the Superilles, a framework was developed based on Salvador Rueda’s work. The three components of this framework include: social aspects of land use specifically related to social space, social service, social housing; typical measures of demographics like age and income as well as culture and education; and lastly urban infrastructures such as transit and waste systems.
Within the social interaction category, researchers studied services such as youth services and density of services. As well, researchers investigated social spaces and linked related factors to ecological phenomena including air pollution. Linking ecological phenomenon with evidence of social interaction can benefit urban designers fully understand the interwoven relationship between urbanism, citizen interactions, and the environment. This understanding can lead to the development of sustainable urbanism in the future.
The infrastructure of Enric de Granados was studied and understood as a unique approach to pedestrian vs vehicle traffic. Greater pedestrian friendliness was documented as indicated by the wide sidewalks and sidewalk buffers. This shift from vehicle-centric streets of Barcelona provides contrasting ideas of street use and how streets can be transitioned into areas of social interaction.