Dense, Mixed, Vibrant: the 22@ Innovation District

On the sidelines of the UN Habitat Global Expert Group Meeting on Urban Labs, CLC staff visited 22@ — one of the most dynamic parts of Barcelona, just minutes’ walk from the city’s golden beaches. It is also an integrated hub for the media, energy, med-tech, design, and IT-mobile sectors. 22@ was the brainchild of then Mayor Pasqual Maragall i Mira to revitalise a 200-hectare derelict industrial district east of the historical city. The opportunity presented itself on the back of the successful Summer Olympics in 1992.

An interesting aspect of 22@ is that, in exchange for higher plot ratios, private land owners surrendered 30% of their land or floor space for social and public uses such as housing, recreation and education. This encouraged private investment and development. By 2015, 80% of owners had opted in.

More interestingly, this transformed a sprawling industrial zone into a higher density mixed-use district with homes, jobs and amenities,, like green spaces, museums and universities – at relatively low cost to the government. To fortify the area’s identity and appeal as it underwent transformation, its soaring chimneys were conserved as a reminder of its industrial heritage.

Barcelona Activa, the economic development arm of the Barcelona City Council, leads a successful incubator programme, and assists young entrepreneurs to re-locate in this city. Major corporations like Yahoo and eBay are also present. The district is now known for its entrepreneurial buzz as well as vibrant public spaces. To date, over 8,000 companies have moved in, providing employment for over 90,000 workers. 22@ has grown into a secondary city centre, popular with students, entrepreneurs and tourists alike to work, live and play.

About the Writer

Elyssa Ludher
Senior Assistant Director
Centre for Liveable Cities

Reuben Su
Capability Development Intern & Liaison Officer
Centre for Liveable Cities