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Research, Urban Planning, Environment and Health

ISGlobal Takes Part in the Opening Week of the Pilot Superblock in Poblenou

The Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative will inform citizens on the potential health benefits of the project through a stand on the Sancho de Avila Street

13.09.2016

The recent creation of the ISGlobal initiative Urban Planning, Environment and Health coincides with the launching of a project that could redefine the way in which cities are planned: the superblocks, and more particularly, the pilot superblock that has been started to operate in the Barcelona neighbourhood of Poblenou. In the context of the numerous activities planned between September 12 and 22 in the streets of the new superblock, ISGlobal will hold a stand from which it will carry out several activities and inform citizens on the project’s expected benefits on the citizen’s health and well-being.

ISGlobal’s presence in the inauguration of the Poblenou superblock will give visibility to the need for a more sustainable and healthy urban planning. “The superblocks represent an excellent opportunity to promote a drastic shift from an urbanism that prioritised cars to one that puts citizen’s health and well-being first”, explains Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, director of the Urban Planning, Environment and Health Inititative of ISGlobal.

In fact, Barcelona is among the European cities with the highest levels of air pollution and the noise level exceeds the recommended limits. From its stand, ISGlobal will inform the citizens on the scientific evidence generated over the last years pointing to the negative health effects of air pollution, noise pollution, lack of green spaces, and sedentary behaviour.

One of the latest studies performed by ISGlobal in the field of non-transmissible diseases and environment showed that a better urban and transport planning could help reduce up to 20% of premature deaths every year.

Schedules and Activities

ISGlobal will hold a stand on Sancho de Ávila street (between Roc Boronat and Ciutat de Granada) on September 12, 16, 17 and 22.

Coinciding with the stand inauguration on September 12, an illustration workshop with urban sketchers was conducted in collaboration with Il·lustraciència.

On September 16, the worldwide Park(ing) Day will be celebrated, while the World Car Free Day will take place on the September 22.

In all cases, the stand will remain open until 8 PM and will show examples of air pollution measurement.