Co-Curricular Activity - Gentrification in Barcelona: The Case of the Raval

Gentrification: The Case of the Raval

February 20, 2014

One night in February, I had the opportunity to go on the gentrification field trip in the Raval area of Barcelona.  I had not been to this area of Barcelona before even though it is very close to Las Ramblas, an area where I have been many times.  I was required to go on this field trip for my one of my other classes (International Service Learning) since we were learning about the gentrification process that is taking place in Barcelona.  Although I had to go for a different class, it is very relevant to what we are learning about and seeing on our field studies in the Barcelona Past and Present class.

Our tour guides took us to five different locations in the area of the Raval.  One of the first things I noticed on our tour was how different the buildings were compared to where I lived. Since I live near the Sagrada Familia, some of the homes where people live are more modern.  One of the buildings right outside my apartment is made of brick and another one is also made of brick but is painted yellow. This is different than the buildings in the Raval where they were all made of mostly adobe or stone.  They looked older than the area where I live.  While walking around, I noticed that there were almost all locals there.  This took me by surprise because I thought that because it was close to Las Ramblas, a very touristy area, some of them would wander down the side streets.  However, this could not be more wrong.  I had heard from my class that this area was known before as an "unsafe" area and that tourists were told not to go there.  I wondered if this was why I saw only locals there.  They could be more comfortable in this area even though as a "tourist" walking around, I felt safe in the area.

After walking down the sides streets that were lined with stores, restaurants and bars, I sat in the courtyard of the Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona.  This area was much different than the area that I had just walked through because it had already finished the gentrification process.  It was much more modern and new compared to the beginning streets.  There were paintings on the outside of the buildings, escalators inside and the ground was a nicer material than the regular cobblestone.  Our guide said that during the summer in the courtyard they use a projector on the wall and show movies.  I think if this area really wasn't "safe" they would be doing this.  I picture families with kids and young adults coming to attend movie night.  If it wasn't safe, not as many people and their families would go. This area compared to the first areas where I walked through really showed the gentrification process that had been completed.

The second place I went to was outside the National Catalan Library.  I could tell this area had been a part of the gentrification process because of the area it was in. Although the library was older looking and also right across the street from an old church, the courtyard that was around it was new.  There were new trees, plants and flower gardens planted all around to liven the area.  I saw many people of all ages - young kids hanging out with their friends, older people looking around the area and going in and out of the library as well as people sitting on benches relaxing.  I liked the combination of the old library and buildings next to the new garden that had been built.  This is the kind of remodeling I like because it doesn't take away all of the old original buildings.  When walking by, you can still see the original architecture but it looks nice next to newer gardens.  I really enjoyed walking around this area. I will have to go back and go inside the library.

This cultural activity let me see a new part of Barcelona that I probably wouldn't have gone to on a regular basis.  I have been to different parts of Barcelona so far but this was different than the Gothic Area, Sagrada Familia, Barceloneta or any other.  There was so much diversity when I was walking down the streets.  I saw new buildings, old buildings, different kinds of people, how they interact with their friends, the way they dress and others.  Since this was an entire local neighborhood, I really got a feel for what local Catalonians are like.  It was nice to not be a typical American student for a little bit and really feel like I was a part of the local culture by walking around an area where tourists don't usually go.  

I think the gentrification process is a really interesting one and one that is not only taking place in Barcelona but also one that is happening in my hometown of Boston.  I can see the process happening especially in the Raval but around the Sagrada Familia.  Surrounding the Sagrada Familia which is over 200 years old, new stores and buildings are popping up to appeal to more tourists.  Right outside the church are popular chains, Burger King, KFC and many souvenir shops.  This is all to appeal to the people who are walking by.  I understand why companies want to do this but think it takes away from the authenticity of the church.  I don't think Gaudi would have thought right next to his masterpiece there would be a fast food restaurant.  This affects the cultural life because it takes away from the originality and pure idea that he had.  Similarly, Boston is going through a gentrification process. Beacon Hill underwent a gentrification process.  What is now the place to live Boston with multi-million dollar town houses filled with celebrities and professional athletes was before a shabby street that was unappealing.  The South End also had undergone gentrification.  It is in a great location near transportation, parks, fields and unique houses that are great for renovation.  Much of this process has finished but there are still improvements that could be done.  

Gentrification is not only good for stimulating the economy, getting tourists but also turning an older neighborhood to a nicer one.  Although it could get rid of original architecture and the unique appeal of the area, sometimes it is necessary for a city to go through this to stay relevant.  Barcelona is no different.  It brings about a new cultural appeal.  However, I do think that getting rid of beautiful architecture isn't good; there is a difference between making an area appealing and completely destroying history.  Gentrification can be a good process to go through but can also have some downfalls.