Interplay between Land Use Planning and Functional Mix Dimensions: An Assemblage Approach for Metropolitan Barcelona

Abstract

The concept of mixed-use urban planning is gaining recognition as a crucial element in the development of sustainable and vibrant urban environments. In contrast, many 20th-century cities were designed with segregated land uses and monofunctional zones, following the principles set out in the 1933 Athens Charter. Over time, this approach has been widely criticized, and in the present era, mixed-use environments are praised for fostering social interaction, generating economic synergies, and reducing environmental impacts. This article explores the complex relationship between urban activities, morphology, and planning, with a particular focus on the Barcelona metropolitan area. Utilizing GIS mapping and morphological drawings, this research offers innovative perspectives by analyzing a series of selected urban fragments, highlighting the differences and similarities among various urban fabrics. After a review of the evolution of mixed-use planning regulations and plans since the mid-20th century, a threefold analysis was conducted: examining planning standards and codes, assessing the ground floor activities in promoting urban mixticity, and defining the characteristics of urban patterns’ vitality. Through mapping and indexes, the research offers both qualitative and quantitative evaluations, uncovering new tools to better understand functional mix as a critical element in addressing the challenges of contemporary urbanization.