Green infrastructure as a tool of urban regeneration, for an equitable and sustainable planning. An application case at l'Eixample, Barcelona

Green infrastructure concept, as a possible solution to tackle some territorial challenges, is mainly applied on a territorial scale, while on the urban one it’s still little explored. This study questions the green infrastructure value as a spatial device in urban regeneration processes, proposing a reinterpretation and an operative method of project action. The proposed green infrastructure model incorporates and combines the environmental and sustainable components, with those of urban life organization (activities and services, transport, quality of open and built-up area, ...) and helps to improve their quality and mutual relationships. The description of specific requirements and the definition of indicators by which to measure the context starting conditions and the transformation effects, guide the decision-maker in carrying out the interventions, mainly through the requirements of multi-scalarity, accessibility, environmental sustainability, spaces and services quality and comfort and urban resilience. The model is applied to the districts of L'Esquerra de l'Eixample in Barcelona, characterized by high population density, pollution problems and lack of greenery. It acts on three interconnected different scales: urban, through linear interventions that build connections and continuity; neighborhood, with smaller but distributed interventions on block interiors; local, linking the scattered elements in the territory portions through paths. An integrated system of public spaces, services and green areas is thus outlined, guaranteeing access to urban opportunities by developing a system of connections alternative to motorized traffic able to connect the population with natural and anthropic resources and with the urban settlement new life centers.