Barcelona is the home to many iconic architectural pieces, with the "La Sagrada Familia" created by Antoni Gaudi, being a standout reflection towards the city's identity.
"Barcelona is a city based on the principle of “Design for All”. This has allowed it to become one of the most accessible cities in the world for people in all their diversity regarding respect for different genders, cultures, skills, ages and languages" (The Design Sector in Barcelona, p.10) The city benchmark is to move towards building safer and healthier cities, and providing people-friendly services (The Design Sector in Barcelona, p.10). Although the term “Design for All” would not have been not used at that time, the concept began in Barcelona in Medieval times. Even at that time, the city was designed to improve cleanliness, safety and communication. This design has continued throughout the city’s history and has been improved further to the point where Barcelona has become a model in terms of accessibility and the adaptation of design for people’s needs (The Design Sector in Barcelona, p.10).
The city is currently tackling new challenges that will allow it to take a central position in design over the coming years. 'Events like the Barcelona Design Festival and projects such as Design Hub Barcelona and the Barcelona Design Innovation Cluster guarantee the continued dominance of design in culture and as a strategic element in the country’s business fabric" (The Design Sector in Barcelona, p. 12).
Architecture has always been an attraction, inspiration and a major part of economic development. In Barcelona, the architectural presence "Is one of the international points of reference, with prestigious professionals who have contributed to the generation of an innovative environment. Nevertheless, its growth during the period of 1995-2008 has been influenced to a large extent by the general real estate boom in the country" (Pareja-Eastaway, p. 23). With influencers such as Antoni Gaudi, iconic pieces created by him allow the design identity to be known worldwide. This leading role allows an increase for exposure to all creative sectors within Barcelona and even further into the entire country of Spain. This exposure will increase revenues and attract new businesses and communities eager to establish roots in the "Design or All" city.
(Steves, R, 2009)
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