Pierre Magontier (p), Rodrigo Martinez-Mazza

Oriol Marquet

This paper examines the effects of floods on urban development dynamics using geolocalized data on the universe of buildings in Spain from 1996 to 2021. We provide empirical evidence that floods foster local urban development and yield taller, more compact urban layouts, attracting populations, increasing property values, and shifting land use towards office and residential sectors. We argue that adaptive responses to natural disasters may trigger positive local spillovers strong enough to overcompensate for the catastrophe's destructive nature.

Miquel-Angel Garcia-Lopez (p), Diego Buitrago-Mora

Pierre Magontier

This paper investigates the causes and consequences of urban form in US metropolitan areas. Using data at the tract level for the years 1990, 2000 and 2010, we first investigate the spatial pat- tern of decentralized jobs by identifying employment subcenters using McMillen (2001)’s nonparametric method and characterizing and cataloging cities according to their urban spatial structure (monocentric, polycentric). Then we study why subcenters form and emerge focusing on the role of agglomeration forces (population) and dispersion forces (congestion). Finally, we analyze the effects of density on economic, social and environmental city outcomes and explore the role of urban form.

Aleksandra Koszarek-Cyra (p)

Miquel-Angel Garcia-Lopez

Urban greenery is an element of the municipal economy that is extremely important for citizens. It affects both the well-being of people providing recreational space, but also affects the "condition" of the city, for example, by supporting thermal regulation or air purification. Therefore, municipalities must carry out a considerate policy of greenery management and support the development of green areas. The purpose of the study is to analyze elements related to greenery management in municipal areas. The analysis will be based on data obtained directly from the surveyed municipalities or available in publicly available statistics such as the local data bank (BDL).

Oriol Marquet (p), Monika Maciejewska

Aleksandra Koszarek-Cyra

The increasing focus on sustainable urban environments brings urban proximity policies like superblocks to the forefront. Our study investigates the acceptance of these policies and the political impact on the endorsing party, Barcelona en Comú (BEC), in Barcelona. Superblocks aim to foster sustainable, proximity-based living, yet have elicited a range of responses, reflecting broader trends in urban planning.
Criticism of superblocks spans from conspiracy theories and ideological opposition to concerns over lifestyle changes and social exclusion. These criticisms echo global opposition to similar urban planning initiatives, influenced by historical skepticism towards centralized planning and heightened in the post-COVID-19 context. Addressing these challenges, the research emphasizes strategies for urban planners to balance empirical insights and participatory methods in urban development.
Parallel to social acceptance, the study explores the political implications of superblocks in Barcelona using Geographic Information System (GIS) data and electoral data. Employing Adjusted Difference-in-Differences (DiD) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM), the research assesses the electoral response to these interventions. Findings indicate a stronger inclination towards BEC in areas with superblocks, countering the party's city-wide decline in popularity. This suggests that superblocks can positively influence political landscapes, supporting parties advocating sustainable urban policies.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of considering both social acceptance and political dimensions in urban policy implementation. As urban planners and policymakers navigate the complexities of sustainable transformations, the insights from Barcelona's superblocks highlight the need for balanced, inclusive approaches in urban planning. This case serves as a pivotal example of the interplay between urban planning, societal acceptance, and political consequences in contemporary urban environments.