22@

The 22@ Plan, approved by the City Council in 2000, transforms 200 ha of industrial land in the central area of Barcelona into an innovative and productive district conceived to concentrate and develop knowledge-intensive activities.

As a plan for urban development, it culminates the renewal process of the Poblenou district, a derelict city area which once was the primary textile and metallurgic industrial hub of Barcelona. As such, it responds to the need to convert its obsolete industrial fabric by creating a compact, diverse, and balanced environment in which productive spaces coexist harmoniously with social housing, facilities and green zones.

As an economic renewal project, it is a unique opportunity to restore Poblenou’s status as a leading economic centre. On the basis of converting science and technology related businesses, it favours environmental friendlier and productive activities that are compatible with housing and that foster the establishment of innovative sectors such as the ones represented in the Media-, Energy-, Biomedical-, ICT- and Design Clusters.

The analysis of 22@ is relevant to the Grand Projet for several reasons. First, it shows how to transform an obsolete district in a gradual way. Second, it exemplifies how to incentivize private development by setting up clear planning rules. Third, it demonstrates how a strong leadership from public authorities does not jeopardize a degree of flexibility in the arrangement of building typologies.