Abstract

This chapter scrutinises the historical centre of Barcelona, Spain. This is officially known as the
Core City of Barcelona, and serves as its central business district. The historical centre of this
Mediterranean city has undergone a variety of projects and strategic plans for urban regeneration,
development, and beautification. Moreover, various attempts have been made for the
improvement of environmental quality and ecological performance of this historical centre. This
is through increases in urban green spaces and public parks, increased dependence on renewable
energy technologies and adopting sustainable transportation modes as opposed to undesirable
and harmful vehicular transport. Furthermore, many urban regeneration plans have been aimed at
conserving and preserving buildings and sites that are considered symbolic of the city’s heritage
and legacy. The chapter also analyses the strategies that have been used through various urban
regeneration projects and development plans, for the improvement of the historical city centre of
Barcelona. The authors focus particularly on the strategies that have been used to upgrade the
environmental quality of the Core City of Barcelona – a case from which many lessons can be
learnt – attempting to diminish undesirable effects of development and urbanisation, and
improving the urban and environmental quality of its urban spaces for the well-being of citizens.