Salvador Rueda talks Superblocks

Salvador Rueda, mastermind of Barcelona’s Superblocks, came in to talk to Auckland Council elected members and staff in March 2024 before speaking publicly at Auckland Conversations. https://conversations.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/superblocks-supercity

The general idea is to cluster a group (usually 9) of street blocks together as slow traffic areas, reducing the width or road corridors inside the cluster (or Superblock) and dropping speeds. This creates more space for citizens to enjoy inside the Superblock, and space for trees, places to sit etc.

Vehicles still have access which allows pick ups, waste-collection, servicing and loading. However, at 10kph, this is far slower than on the arterials outside at 50kph. Aso, drivers can’t take shortcuts through Superblocks as the road layout directs drivers out of the block close to where they entered it. In this way Superblocks are kept pedestrian friendly and calm. If only this approach could be taken around Mercury Lane as initially intended.

This approach has lead to 15% less traffic in Barcelona, 70% more public space. And it doesn't cost a great deal because you are simply reusing existing space differently. This matters a great deal. Buying space for parks in built up areas is very expensive indeed.

Changing habits is the hardest thing, but he notes that after the change is done those who resisted the change often becomes the project’s greatest champions.

83% of our journeys in Auckland are currently made by car. NZ has the highest proportion of cars per capita in the world. It is not sustainable.

Interestingly, the initial driver in Barcelona was traffic noise. It wasn’t pleasant being in the city centre so people were leaving. The change allowed more trees, more peace, more activities, more business opportunities. Two priorities here: sustainability (climate change will impact us and the lives of our children) and a better life for people.