NewTopo. Altered Landscape. Catalonia

daniel barton. "When you look at those empty stre
recent  |  interesting  |  random  |  favorites  |  contacts  |  sets  |  tags:  
NewTopo. Altered Landscape. Catalonia
NewTopo. Altered Landscape. Catalonia

Poblenou, (Catalan for new village) is an extensive neighborhood of Barcelona (Sant Martí district) that borders the Mediterranean sea to the south, Sant Adrià del Besòs to the east, Parc de la Ciutadella in Ciutat Vella to the west, and Horta-Guinardó and Sant Andreu to the north. It is technically part of the Eixample, its layout having been drafted by Ildefons Cerdà, although the historic center of the neighborhood (which was once a town entirely separated from Barcelona) predates the grid.

During the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, Poblenou was the epicenter of Catalan and Iberian industry, earning it its sobriquet of the Catalonian Manchester. Surrounding the extensive cluster of factories stood mostly working class residential areas. After a period of decay, the neighborhood has undergone a dramatic transformation. Many of the areas that have been developed—including the Vila Olímpica, the Diagonal Mar area, and the Fòrum area—arguably comprise their own neighborhoods. Completing its original, unfinished plan, The Avinguda Diagonal now stretches from Plaça de les Glòries to the sea. The massive 22@ plan sets to convert Poblenou into the city's technological and innovation district, as well as to increase leisure and residential spaces.

Alongside the newly built, upscale Vila Olímpica and Diagonal Mar areas, many artists and young professionals have converted the former factories and warehouses into lofts, galleries, and shops. Art & Design schools and studios have also opened, making the area known for its creative outlook. The leafy Rambla de Poblenou, which stretches from Avinguda Diagonal to the beach, is the main commercial street.

© All Rights Reserved
Taken on: March 12, 2015
Groups appears in:   • in explore   
Stats: 15,589 views / 8 comments