Forms and patterns of mixticity in compact cities. Mixed-use synergies in the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood of Barcelona

ABSTRACT

This article explores empirical and objective approaches to combinations of non-residential activities in contemporary urban settings. The research measures the mix of uses in compact cities through the analysis of an urban fragment of Barcelona with high population density that is strolled around daily by thousands of tourists and intensified by a unique combination of daily services, commercial uses and productive activities. The resulting cartography offers a parametric interpretation at the scale of plots, blocks and streets, and establishes some tools to better understand the spatial relations of urban functional mix and proximity.

KEYWORDS:

• Barcelona
• activity
• mixed-use
• functional mix
• mixticity
• diversity

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Enric Villavieja for his contribution to the investigation. His help was key to finalising images 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 and in the research phases still under development.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The investigation is linked with the Competitive Project founded in the ‘R&D Projects’ 2020 - Research Challenges’ of the National Plan for Scientific, Technological and Innovative Research, 2017–2020, Government of Spain, entitled [METRO·MIX] Proximity and Mixedness for Healthier Cities. Criteria and Tools for the Assessment and Promotion of Mixed-use Activities in Compact Metropolitan Areas.