Barcelona is a city that spans many styles and typologies. One of the most interesting characteristics I observed was the obvious relationship of contemporary structures with historic ones. Designers don’t hesitate to put an extremely modern structure next to a classic one. Public space is most valued in Barcelona. The eclectic mix of styles relates and contributes to the overall public realm. In this regard they all seem to work together in an interesting way.

As in many other European cities, Barcelona has its narrow unorganized streets with varying degrees of automobile traffic. The best street I’ve encountered with regard to autos and pedestrians is the Ramblas. As a public space it is one of the best. It posses a grand scale which really works well with the narrow winding surroundings of the Gothic Quarter. It is a space that welcomes people to interact. In Boston’s attempt to create a winding park through downtown, I think they hope to create a Ramblas, although I think the situations are extremely different with regard to the scale and context.