Urban spaces are not just places to live and work—they are playgrounds for social interaction, historical storytelling, and cultural engagement. As part of the IAAC’s Serious Games Seminar, our team explored Sant Antoni, Barcelona, to design playful interventions that connect the community to its past, present, and future.
Our approach combined game design with urban research, allowing us to create interactive experiences that enhance public engagement. Through this lens, we uncovered the dynamic layers of Sant Antoni, from its Roman origins to its role in contemporary urban life.
Historical Context
Sant Antoni’s rich history is a reflection of Barcelona’s transformation from a walled Roman settlement to a thriving, cosmopolitan city. The neighborhood has continually evolved, maintaining its unique identity while adapting to changing urban and social dynamics.
Industrial Revolution & Eixample Expansion (19th Century)
By the mid-19th century, Barcelona faced overcrowding and the need to expand beyond its medieval confines. Ildefons Cerdà’s visionary urban plan for the Eixample district (1859) transformed the city with a grid layout and green courtyards. Sant Antoni became one of the first neighborhoods to develop within this modern framework, characterized by its broad streets and civic spaces.
Sant Antoni Market (1872)
A pivotal landmark, the Sant Antoni Market (Mercat de Sant Antoni) was inaugurated in 1872 as a vital commercial hub. Its iconic iron structure, designed by architect Antoni Rovira i Trias, made it a model for future markets. The market remains a symbol of neighborhood life, where generations of locals have gathered to shop, socialize, and celebrate community traditions.
Cultural Resilience (20th Century)
Despite political turmoil and urban changes, Sant Antoni retained its vibrant cultural identity. The neighborhood became known for its bars, centenarian establishments, and community-driven festivities such as the Festes de Sant Antoni, honoring the patron saint of animals every January.
Superilla Concept & Urban Innovation (2019)
Barcelona’s push for sustainable urban design introduced the Superilla Sant Antoni, a pedestrian-first approach aimed at reducing traffic and enhancing public spaces. The initiative has redefined mobility and social interaction, turning Sant Antoni into a pioneering example of modern urban living while respecting its historical charm.
Project Approach & Key Insights
Our project aimed to explore the cultural and social dynamics of Sant Antoni while highlighting the importance of preserving the neighborhood’s identity amidst urban transformation. Through an urban analysis and community-focused research, we sought to understand the delicate balance between tradition and evolution.
Urban Analysis
Sant Antoni holds the title for the highest concentration of licensed bars and restaurants in Barcelona. This flourishing competition speaks to the neighborhood’s reputation as a gastronomic destination and a lively cultural hub. Walking its streets, you’re met with bustling terraces, cozy cafés, and restaurants that cater to diverse tastes.
Yet beyond this thriving culinary scene lies something even more special: establishments with over a century of history. Cafés Roure, Can Miserias, and other beloved spots have witnessed generations of residents come and go. These spaces are more than businesses—they’re keepers of neighborhood memories, where countless stories have been told over a coffee or a meal.
While the culinary scene is booming, we also observed a more sobering trend: the gradual disappearance of some long-standing establishments. Rising rents, changing consumer habits, and increased competition have forced some cherished spots to close their doors. This shift poses questions about how neighborhoods like Sant Antoni can preserve their heritage while embracing modern growth.
One of Sant Antoni’s defining characteristics is its strong Catalan identity. Many residents are native Catalan speakers, and the neighborhood is deeply rooted in traditions that continue to thrive today. From December through January, the Festes de Sant Antoni bring the community together for parades, music, and celebrations honoring the patron saint of animals.
Every Sunday, the streets come alive with book markets and soccer card collectors gathering to trade and reminisce. These traditions, passed down through generations, are part of what makes Sant Antoni a living cultural hub. Given this strong cultural foundation, Sant Antoni holds immense potential as a model for cultural preservation. There’s an opportunity to celebrate its heritage while supporting its businesses, both old and new. By nurturing this balance, the neighborhood can continue to be a space where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
As we look to the future, Sant Antoni invites us to reflect on the value of cultural identity in an ever-changing city. How can we protect the stories, flavors, and customs that define it while making room for new narratives? We believe the answer lies in community-driven initiatives, creative urban projects, and a commitment to honoring the neighborhood’s rich heritage. Together, we can ensure that Sant Antoni remains a vibrant, authentic, and culturally thriving part of Barcelona for generations to come.
Game Mechanics
Our project invites you to uncover those stories through an interactive journey where tradition meets modernity. With riddles, cultural challenges, and creative experiences, we offer a playful yet meaningful way to connect with this beloved community.
We wanted to go beyond the typical neighborhood map or tour. Our project is designed to encourage people to interact with Sant Antoni’s spaces, engage with its history, and reflect on the heritage that gets passed down through generations.
With thus map you’ll explore local gems, solve riddles, and uncover hidden cultural treasures. The game concludes by guiding participants to reflect on what traditions they value most and how neighborhoods like Sant Antoni are living expressions of memory, creativity, and modern transformation.
1️⃣ Choose Your Level:
- Easy: Explore the map freely and fill your passport with stamps of your choice.
- Medium: Collect stamps while interacting with locals and surroundings for extra challenges.
- Hard: Visit all locations, complete every task, and use clues to solve a riddle for the final prize.
2️⃣ Collect Stamps & Challenges:
From coffee spots to libraries and hidden gardens, each location offers a cultural challenge or riddle, designed to reveal something unique about the place.
- Cafés reveal secrets about the past.
- Flower shops connect you to age-old traditions.
- Parks ask you to observe patterns inspired by urban design.
3️⃣ Complete the Journey:
Return to the starting point, share your discoveries, and claim your prize based on your level.
As you reach the end of the adventure, we encourage you to reflect:
- What stories, tastes, and customs have been passed down through time?
- What do you value most about these old customs?
- How can traditions evolve while still honoring the past?
Our hope is that this journey through Sant Antoni inspires you to cherish the stories that connect us and think about how you can carry heritage forward in your own way.
Community & Business Insights
- Cultural Identity: Predominantly Catalan-speaking population with deep-rooted traditions.
- Festivities: Celebrations like Festes de Sant Antoni and weekly book and soccer card markets strengthen communal ties.
- Intergenerational Dynamics: Older generations preserve traditions while younger residents introduce urban lifestyles.
- Heritage Anchors: Centenarian businesses and historic landmarks are key cultural and social symbols.
- High Competition: Sant Antoni has the highest number of licensed bars and restaurants in Barcelona.
- Legacy Businesses: Despite market saturation, some establishments over 100 years old remain resilient.
- Innovative Ventures: New bakeries, specialty cafes, and creative eateries are reshaping the neighborhood’s identity.
- Cultural Entrepreneurship: Bookstores and creative spaces act as cultural hubs blending commerce with community activities.
- Business-Community Collaboration: Partnerships between legacy and modern ventures to foster innovation and preserve tradition.
- Heritage Preservation: Storytelling initiatives and walking tours to highlight centenarian establishments.
- Cultural Activation: Expanding traditional events with creative workshops for younger generations.
- Business Resilience: Support traditional businesses with digital marketing, innovation strategies, and tourism partnerships.
Impact & Reflection
Public Engagement Through Play
Serious Games offer a unique way to connect people with their urban environment. By blending history, exploration, and interactivity, the project:
- Encourages participation in urban storytelling.
- Fosters a deeper connection with public spaces.
- Promotes local businesses and cultural institutions.
Lessons Learned
- Testing and iteration are crucial for ensuring a smooth and engaging experience.
- Collaboration with local stakeholders enhances authenticity and impact.
- Play can be a powerful tool for education and engagement.
Conclusion & Call to Action
One of the key elements of our project is to invite participants to reflect on heritage. As you navigate Sant Antoni, you’ll encounter places rooted in history, such as Cafés Roure (open since 1939) and the Joan Oliver Library, home to a garden named after the iconic Catalan composer Càndida Pérez. You’ll also discover modern spots like Primate Bakehouse, which embraces artisanal breadmaking while looking to the future.
Why is this important? Because heritage is a living thing. It’s shaped by memory, renewed by creativity, and reimagined by every generation.
We invite everyone to experience Sant Antoni through our Serious Game, unlocking the hidden stories and vibrant culture of this iconic Barcelona district.
Let the game begin!
