Commercial urbanism: building a city from commerce

Barcelona is experiencing one of the most important urban transformation moments of recent decades. The new Rambla, the new railway hubs of La Sagrera and Sants, the transformation of Glòries, the expansion of Camp Nou, the culmination of the Sagrada Família or the large projects linked to Montjuïc and the new Hospital Clínic draw a city in full evolution. These actions are joined by strategic infrastructures such as the expansion of the airport or the consolidation of line L9, which will reinforce metropolitan and international connectivity.

When a city transforms, not only do the streets, squares or infrastructures change. The way people live, move, work and consume also changes. That is why, talking about urban planning is talking about the city model we want to build.

For too long, the urban planning debate has focused almost exclusively on technical, environmental or mobility issues. All these aspects are essential, but there is another that also deserves to occupy a central place: commerce.

Commerce is not simply an economic activity. It is one of the main generators of urban life. It gives identity to neighborhoods, creates meeting spaces, provides security to the streets, generates employment and contributes to social cohesion. In a city like Barcelona, it represents almost 15% of the GDP and almost 22% of employment. But, above all, it is an essential element of quality of life.

There is no living city without commercial activity. And, at the same time, commerce needs a well-planned, accessible and attractive city to be able to develop. Urban planning and retail are not two separate worlds; they are part of the same reality. When a street is transformed, the flows of people, business opportunities, the coexistence between uses and, ultimately, the vitality of a neighborhood are redefined.

That is why it is so important to incorporate the commercial perspective into urban planning from the very beginning, as another piece of the city project. Large urban transformations will only achieve their full potential if they also contribute to strengthening a diverse, balanced and quality commercial fabric.

Barcelona has an extraordinary opportunity to do so. The new Rambla, the major renovation of the Boqueria market, the future renewal of Pelai street, and the projected redevelopment of Gaudí avenue can become examples of urban planning that puts people at the center and understands that public space and economic activity are not incompatible, but complementary. The city needs pleasant streets for walking, but also businesses that give them life, personality, and activity throughout the day.

This is also the moment to reclaim commercial excellence as an urban value. Excellence is also built through the urban landscape, the quality of facades, the care of signs, the responsible occupation of public space, or a commercial implementation consistent with the identity of each neighborhood. The beauty and quality of our streets are also part of the city experience.

The city needs pleasant streets for walking, but also businesses that give them life, personality, and activity throughout the day.

At the same time, Barcelona needs to preserve commercial diversity. Major European capitals compete to attract talent, investment, and visitors, but also to maintain authentic neighborhoods and a rich and unique commercial offering. Avoiding homogenization and fostering coexistence between local commerce, international brands, restaurants, and cultural activities is a strategic bet for our city's commercial model, which benefits both residents and visitors.

To achieve this, collaboration between administrations, the private sector, and civil society must be strengthened. The best urban transformations are those that arise from dialogue, listen to different sensitivities, and incorporate the knowledge of all involved actors. Consensus is not a brake on progress; it is the best guarantee for projects to endure and generate shared value.

Barcelona has demonstrated throughout its history that it knows how to reinvent itself. It has always done so when it has been able to combine efforts and look beyond the short term. Today we have a new opportunity to do so. The great urban transformations ahead of us can become a driver of prosperity, cohesion, and urban quality if we place commerce in its rightful place.

Because making a city is also making commerce. And building the future of Barcelona means understanding that urban planning and commercial excellence must advance together, with a shared, open, and ambitious vision for the city we want to leave to future generations.