An urban future with an ancient heart

Abstract

Taking the example of Barcelona into consideration, the article makes some general reflections about transformations in the city as a result of great urban projects which, along with physical intervention, modify their character considerably. The hypothesis held in the project says that, owing to a homogenizing and segregating global urbanism, the city is constantly changing into new spaces of dispossession for the citizens. Under the influence of new projects, the city's historical character as a place for exchange and appropriation, is currently giving way to urban banality, social segregation of the territory and the rise of inequality. A second topic is related to the citizens' response to the problem. By means of denunciation and criticism as well as organization and action, citizens are beginning to build and consolidate new ways for territory repossession, identity and socio-cultural cohesion. Finally, some of the proposals expressed throughout the project are summarized in the conclusion which also deals with future challenges for the citizens and local administrations in the production of a new kind of urbanism centered in the right of the city.