Urban Analysis and Data Mapping
This course provides a practical introduction to analysing the complex urban challenges of Barcelona through a multi-scalar methodology, combining theory and practice to explore the relationship between local urban dynamics and broader city-wide issues. Students will engage in fieldwork to connect physical observations with available urban data, using data visualisation tools to interpret and present their findings. Through data analysis and system mapping, participants will explore how policies, historical trends, and socio-political contexts shape the city. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of Barcelona and the key data sources that help explain its urban dynamics.
Learning Methodology
For this type of exercise, a multi-scalar and participatory methodology is recommended, combining theory and practice to deeply understand urban contexts.
This methodology involves analyzing the chosen area at different levels. On the local scale, students will focus on the neighborhood or district, conducting a detailed examination of its physical and social characteristics through field observations and contextual data. At the urban scale, the findings will be linked to broader city-wide trends, policies, and challenges. Finally, at the global scale, students will compare the area with other cities, using benchmarking to identify best practices and draw meaningful parallels.
Each session will conclude with the review and discussion of case studies relevant to the topics explored. This approach allows students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering a critical understanding of urban challenges. By engaging in discussions, students will develop their individual perspectives while connecting the specific issues of a neighbourhood to examples from other cities. This ensures that students can bridge theory and practice effectively.
Students will work in teams to create system maps, linking their observations and analyses with the city’s broader context. The iterative review process at the end of each session will encourage students to share their progress, receive feedback, and make necessary adjustments to their methods. Reflective learning will also be encouraged, with students regularly considering how data and context help refine their understanding of urban problems.
The methodology will incorporate tools for system mapping and data visualisation. These tools will allow students to illustrate how local and global challenges are interrelated, as well as how policies and broader trends impact the specific neighbourhoods studied. Visualisation techniques will support their ability to contextualise data and present their findings in a clear, impactful manner.
After the course, the student will achieve the following objectives:
Develop Systemic Thinking Skills: Students will understand the importance of systemic thinking, focusing on the interconnected layers of information that shape urban environments. This involves recognizing how different sectors—such as transport, housing, and sustainability—are interdependent, and learning to synthesise these multiple dimensions when analysing urban dynamics and proposing solutions.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, where the history of the city began, the Gòtic Quarter is an iconic neighborhood, we sought to understand its complex dynamics and whether its economic model could truly be called sustainable. From Roman foundations to bustling contemporary streets, the Gòtic Quarter embodies a story of transformation. But behind its … Read more
Our research on the El Raval neighborhood explored the tensions and opportunities between residents and tourists, two populations who travel from all over the world to be in El Raval. While tourists and residents can have conflicting priorities and demands of their environment, the two are also dependent on each other and we came upon … Read more
As part of the Master in City & Technology Introductory Workshop, our team was tasked with studying La Barceloneta, a district characterized by its complex layers of social, economic, architectural, and administrative systems. This project aims to explore these dimensions, highlighting the interactions between tourism and the local community in one of Barcelona’s most iconic … Read more
The urban transformation of the Poblenou neighborhood has reached a critical juncture, where the local and global spheres coexist in a contested struggle over territory. The revitalization of old industrial buildings into a technological and creative hub has spurred significant economic growth, attracting a wave of companies, start-ups, investors, and, more recently, digital nomads, displacing … Read more
Exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Sant Antoni, a lively corner of Barcelona’s Eixample district, we set out to uncover its rich history, pinpoint its challenges, and evaluate relevant data. Our journey began with online research, laying the groundwork for our field observations. Once we arrived on-site, we captured the essence of the area through photographs, … Read more
