Summer is already in the air, and Barcelona is seeking ways to ensure its streets remain livable when temperatures soar. With the aim of allowing residents to continue enjoying public life during the hottest months, the City Council has launched a package of measures focused on combating high temperatures. The plan calls for the immediate activation of climate-controlled shelters and the continuation of air conditioning in elementary schools, with a special emphasis this year on creating spaces protected from the sun.
During a presentation held at the Málaga Gardens in the Sants neighborhood, Mayor Jaume Collboni outlined the rollout of the shade program for 2026. This summer, the initiative will add 75 new projects distributed throughout the city, covering plazas, playgrounds, and educational institutions. In addition, the project looks toward the near future with the announcement of three unique structural interventions at key locations in the city, designed to transform the urban landscape in preparation for upcoming summer seasons.
Playgrounds and public squares get new awnings this summer
The 75 new shaded areas planned for this year are strategically distributed across the city’s ten districts. Specifically, the initiatives are divided into:
- 38 children’s play areas, designed with the comfort of the little ones in mind.
- 21 public spaces, including the Marina skatepark in Sants-Montjuïc, Plaça del Poeta Boscà in Ciutat Vella, Plaça d’Àngel Pestanya in Nou Barris, and Plaça Joanic in Gràcia.
- 16 schoolyards, to ensure cooler environments in schools.
With this initiative, Barcelona is expected to add more than 200 new sun-protected spaces over a three-year period, with a target date of 2027. The total budget allocated to this program amounts to 11 million euros, with the ultimate goal of creating a shaded area exceeding 40,000 square meters.
Three Unique Projects for the Coming Years
Beyond the immediate actions for this summer, the plan includes three major design initiatives that will be implemented progressively between 2027 and 2028. These three specific projects have their own budget allocation of 2.3 million euros and will provide a total of 5,000 square meters of shade:
Portal de l’Àngel: As a commercial hub with heavy pedestrian traffic, this project stands out for its technical complexity. The design will consist of a lightweight structure formed by hexagonal modules that pay homage to Gaudí’s famous “panot,” covering an area of 2,000 square meters. As it is located in an area with historic buildings, the installation will be adapted in a way that respects the protected facades. It is expected to be completed in May 2028.
Passeig Marítim del Bogatell: A structure will be installed to cover approximately 1,600 square meters. It is expected to be fully operational in June 2027.
Plaça Comercial: At this location, which has already hosted pilot projects in the past, an area of 1,400 square meters will be covered. The design of the awnings will replicate the geometric motifs characteristic of the façade and roof of the Born Market, and their installation will be completed in May 2028.
