Barcelona: A tale of two rivers

Author: Melisa Pesoa, Cynthia C. Pérez
Affiliation:  Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya / DUOT - Grup de Recerca en Urbanisme (GRU)

Abstract
In Barcelona, the connection between the city and its natural environment is very clear in multiple images linking the mountains to the sea. However, what is much less perceived, is the presence, and importance, of the two major rivers entrapping the city on either side. The Besòs and Llobregat rivers have long played a crucial role in the development of the city, not only for their historic importance during the industrialization period, but also for their presence as green axis, much needed for citizens, as well as for urban renewal. Today both rivers contribute to generate vast green spaces at metropolitan level. Throughout this article, we will focus on the transformation of these two rivers over the last thirty years and will examine their situation before human intervention, projects and implementations took place. Undoubtedly, the renovation of these spaces into a green belt for the metropolitan area of Barcelona have strengthened the relationship between natural spaces and urban infrastructure. Furthermore, their recovery vindicated the identity of the surrounding areas, which have always been related to water.