Diagonal Mar- Barcelona´s newest neighborhood

Diagonal Mar is part of the district of Barcelona known as San Martí.  Until recently this area was very industrial and, like much of the city, it wasn´t until the Olympics in 1992 that it began to transform.  In fact, in the late 19th century and the early 20th century Barcelona was known as a city “with its back to the sea” due to the deterioration of its coastline. 

Diagonal Mar is located where one of Barcelona´s main streets, Avinguda Diagonal, which crosses the entire city, meets the sea.  The project began in 1996 under the direction of the international developer Hines, one of the world’s largest privately held development companies, making it one of the newest developments in Barcelona.  Diagonal Mar has residential developments, first class hotels, a convention center, a shopping and leisure center, and a park.  

One of the best things about this area is its proximity to the Mediterranean. Two beaches in this area are Nova Mar Bella and Llevant.  Nova Mar Bella Beach is approximately 500 meters long and forms part of the beaches that were created when the Barcelona seafront was restored as part of the urban redevelopment for the 1992 Olympic Games.  This beach is one of the most popular for people living outside of Barcelona and is also frequently visited by residents of Sant Martí.  It is considered to be much more peaceful than those located closer to the city center as it tends to be less crowded.  It also has a service for disabled persons, available every weekend and bank holiday during June, and every day during July and August, from 11am to 6pm. 

The second beach, Llevant beach, is the last of the beaches created on the Barcelona coastline and was opened in the summer of 2006.  It is approximately 380 meters in length.  This area is also perfect for other outdoor activities such as biking, running, walking, or rollerblading as there is a cement path that runs along the beach.

Diagonal Mar is also home to Parc Diagonal Mar, a 36 million euro project that was designed by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, who also designed the Santa Caterina Market in the Born.  The park forms the shape of a tree, with the trunk as a promenade and branches that form pathways around the park.  The park has many different areas, such as recreational area with ping-pong tables, basketball courts, football fields, and petanca pitches.  It also has lakes, a waterfall, a fountain, and an outdoor café.

Across from the park is Diagonal Mar Commercial Center, one of Catalonia´s largest shopping malls.  It has over 150 stores, cinemas, a food court, and services such as a play area for children, nursing rooms, first aid, and Wi-Fi internet connection.  The center is open from 10am to 10pm Monday through Saturday and many popular brands (both Spanish and international) can be found there. 

One of the most important developments in the area is the Parc del Forum, which was built for the Forum of Cultures in 2004 and which is now used for business conventions and cultural events.  The main building, Edifici Forum, is a modern construction designed by Jaques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.  It has two large auditoriums and the largest plaza in Barcelona.  Since it´s inauguration in 2004 many important events have been held there such as concerts and activities during Fiestas de la Mercè, the annual city festival, and La Feria de Abril, which takes place each spring.  In summer it is a popular venue for concerts and music festivals.  It is also a popular gathering place for skaters and rollerbladers as there is plenty of large open space as well as benches and stairs for practicing tricks.

There are many people who consider the development of Diagonal Mar a great success.  In 2004 Diagonal Mar won the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence and it was also chosen as the “most innovative real estate project in Barcelona” by the Premios Imobiliarios Quatrium organization.  

However, this is not an opinion that is shared by all, and the area is certainly not without controversy.  It has been criticized by many for catering to higher income groups due to the price of housing and for effectively being a gated community due to the fact that many of the public areas are surrounded by fences which are thought to create a sense of isolation. 

On the other hand, living in Diagonal Mar does have its benefits, which explains why many Barcelona visitors and newcomers, particularly the expat community, find it more attractive than other areas.  For one, since the buildings are brand- new they have been constructed according to modern standards of quality and have more amenities.  For example, the buildings of Diagonal Mar come equipped with large windows, elevators, and central heating, which buildings in older areas tend to lack.

It is clear the Diagonal Mar lacks the traditional charm of the older neighborhoods of Barcelona.  However, it is also a great example of a city who appreciates growth and renewal, and the blending of older, historic neighborhoods with newer, urban developments.  And while it has had its moments of controversy it is a neighborhood worth exploring, particularly when the weather is nice so that it can be enjoyed to the fullest.