Barcelona bets on green to boost city’s mental health
Source: https://www.politico.eu/article/barcelona-green-spaces-mental-health-superblocks-eixos-verds/
Author: Helen Collis
In Barcelona, urban planners are motivated by an additional factor: A pilot scheme to tame traffic and create more green spaces across three neighborhoods has been shown to improve residents' mental health.
A survey of people living in the three repurposed areas found people repod better rest, increased socialization and less perceived noise and air pollution. They also indicated that the areas are quieter, more comfortable and safer, making it easier for them to interact with their neighbors.
Now, under an ambitious proposal known as Eixos Verds (Green Axis), the local government plans to extend the project across much of the city.
The goal is to create a network of quieter roads that make it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike, and increase the number of greener public spaces where neighbors can interact with one another. Instead of bumper-to-bumper cars, streets will be lined with trees, play parks, cycle lanes, benches and community squares.
The plans tick a number of boxes: By creating cooler green spaces, which in turn hoovers up carbon dioxide, they'll help the city adapt to climate change. By slashing traffic exhaust fumes and encouraging active mobility, they'll improve air quality and residents' overall health.