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Understanding Urban Complexity via the Spatial Diversity of Activities: An Application to Barcelona (Spain)

Author

Listed:
  • Salvador Rueda Palenzuela

    (Territorial and Urban Ecology Foundation (Fundació Ecologia Urbana i Territorial, FEUT), Enric Granados, 43, 08008 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Albert Santasusagna Riu

    (GRAM (Grup de Recerca Ambiental Mediterrània), Department of Geography, Universitat de Barcelona, Montalegre, 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Berta Cormenzana Izquierdo

    (GRAM (Grup de Recerca Ambiental Mediterrània), Department of Geography, Universitat de Barcelona, Montalegre, 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Joan Tort Donada

    (GRAM (Grup de Recerca Ambiental Mediterrània), Department of Geography, Universitat de Barcelona, Montalegre, 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Xavier Úbeda

    (GRAM (Grup de Recerca Ambiental Mediterrània), Department of Geography, Universitat de Barcelona, Montalegre, 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

Urban complexity can be measured by the numerical and spatial diversity of activities in a territory. Just as biodiversity can be measured in a natural ecosystem, diversity indices can be applied to urban settings. Urban diversity presents higher values in areas where there is a greater number of (economic, institutional, and social) activities with a high degree of differentiation between them. This study seeks to investigate the potential of applying an urban diversity index in a specific case study: namely, the city of Barcelona (Spain), known for the orthogonal grid plan of its Eixample district. Results show that the municipal territory of Barcelona as a whole is characterized by highly differentiated spaces according to their urban diversity values. Specifically, it is the Eixample district that presents the highest values of urban diversity, reflecting the densification of its morphology and its urban commercial policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Salvador Rueda Palenzuela & Albert Santasusagna Riu & Berta Cormenzana Izquierdo & Joan Tort Donada & Xavier Úbeda, 2022. "Understanding Urban Complexity via the Spatial Diversity of Activities: An Application to Barcelona (Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:3:p:1298-:d:732151
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    Cited by:

    1. Antonello Monsù Scolaro & Cheren Cappello, 2023. "The Realms of Abandonment: Measures and Interpretations of Landscape Value/Risk in Northern Sardinia (Italy)," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-27, June.

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