Dones Jardins

In 2020, BCNUEJ researchers coordinated and conducted a research study to explore Covid-19 related changes in the relationships between public space, gentrification, touristification and health focusing on one of the most affected population groups: women. The project focused on residents living nearby Jardins de la Rambla de Sants, who are experiencing significant changes in their daily lives due to urbanization in the area. The study particularly investigates the public space of the Jardins de la Rambla de Sants, inaugurated in 2016, representative of the new trends in public space design in terms of sustainability, health and feminism in Barcelona city.

Research team:

Principal investigators: Margarita Triguero-Mas, Helen Cole
Collaborative researchers:  Col·lectiu Punt 6, Isabelle Anguelovski, Zsófia Ghira 

In previous research, we have seen how gender inequities manifest in Barcelona’s public spaces (see previous research led by Jordi Honey-Rosés in 2018  and 2019). Moreover, our research has revealed the nuances between public space and gentrification in some areas of the city (see research led by Emilia Oscilowicz in 2020). It is still uncertain how the pandemic is impacting these relationships. 

As part of Dones Jardins project, BCNUEJ is developing a conceptual framework on sustainable, just, fair cities and public space. A qualitative data collection to understand changes in use, perception and health outcomes in relation to these public spaces will follow the conceptual framework development. 

With this project we aim to provide insight into how public space can equitably provide health benefits during a pandemic, and perhaps also in a post-pandemic world. More broadly, this project further relates BCNUEJ research with the COVID-19 pandemic. It expands BCNUEJ’s interest in environmental urban justice, feminist and political ecology, feminist urbanism, gender perspectives, gender equity and intersectionality.