Barcelona's Eixample: A Perfect Grid for Urban Analysis

The Cerdà Plan: A Revolution in Urban Planning

In 1859, Ildefons Cerdà presented his plan for Barcelona's expansion—the Eixample (meaning "extension" in Catalan). This wasn't just city planning; it was a radical reimagining of how cities could work.

Why Barcelona's Grid is Special

The Chamfered Corners

Unlike typical American grids with 90-degree corners, Cerdà's blocks have 45-degree chamfers (cuts) at each corner. This creates:

• Better visibility at intersections
• Small plazas at every crossing
• Improved air circulation
• More interesting figure-ground patterns

The Superblock Concept

Cerdà designed the grid with "superblocks" in mind—groups of blocks that share interior courtyards. This creates:

• Semi-private green spaces
• Pedestrian-priority zones
• Community gathering areas

Figure Ground Analysis of Eixample

When you generate a figure ground map of Eixample, you'll notice:

The Octagonal Pattern

The chamfered corners create a distinctive octagonal rhythm that's immediately recognizable. This is why Barcelona maps are so popular for architectural presentations—they're visually striking.

Building Perimeters

Most blocks follow the perimeter building typology—structures around the edges with courtyards in the center. This creates a clear distinction between public streets and private interiors.

Density Variations

While the grid is regular, building heights and densities vary. Some courtyards have been filled in over time, visible in detailed figure-ground studies.

Best Themes for Barcelona Analysis

For Eixample specifically, try these ArchiKEK themes:

• Figure Ground: Classic black/white shows the octagonal pattern clearly
• Nolli: Reveals public vs private space relationships
• Blueprint: Technical feel perfect for urban analysis presentations
• Warm Sunset: Beautiful for portfolio pieces

Urban Lessons from Eixample

Cerdà's design teaches us:

• Grid doesn't mean boring: The chamfered corners add visual interest
• Scale matters: 113m x 113m blocks are walkable
• Flexibility within structure: The grid accommodates diverse uses
• Green space integration: Interior courtyards provide relief

Create Your Barcelona Map

Generate a map of Eixample and see these patterns yourself.

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