THEME

The development of Barcelona since the 1992 Olympics has seen a concerted push toward the creation of a postmodern city. Sadly, while individual buildings display some architectural character, the overall effect comes across as an attempt to create a generic city. However this is not the true essence of Barcelona. Barcelona cannot be represented by a single shot of a downtown skyline, but needs to be discovered by experiencing the varied facets of the city on a more personal basis. The following series of pictures is an exploration of the city itself at a local level.   

GENERIC CITY

"Postmodernism is not a doctrine based on a highly civilized reading of architectural history but a method, a mutation in professional architecture that produces results fast enough to keep pace with the Generic City's development."

GENUINE CITY: PLAZA OF SANT ANDREU DISTRICT

In the plaza these chairs are arranged so that the people of the community can gather and converse with one another in an intimate setting.

GENUINE CITY

Barcelona is divided by a mass of compressed streets and alleys, which can really only be experienced at a pedestrian speed and height. Unlike cities such as Los Angeles, Barcelona is best viewed on foot. The streets are narrow, oftentimes paved with cobblestones, and the city blocks relatively short. 

GENUINE CITY

Here a father and son are engaged in conversation as they sunbathe next to the aquatic center. Unlike the beaches surrounding the Olympic village, here they can come to sit peacefully and listen to their thoughts without being interrupted by the traffic of the generic city. 

GENUINE CITY: PARC JOAN MIRO

Within central Barcelona, large public parks such as this one have been established where people can bring their dogs, or simply escape the noise of the city.