In Barcelona there is a persistent problem affecting its streets: the bad smell caused by people urinating in public places. To address this problem and draw attention to the lack of civility, architect and urban artist Joan Juncosa has created an artistic initiative that uses colored urinals as a form of protest.
The idea behind this art installation is simple but striking: to place colorful urinals in strategic places in the city to denounce the fact that the streets have become improvised public toilets.
The urinals, decorated with bright colors and stickers indicating that they are “out of service,” serve as a visual reminder of the lack of respect for public space and the city’s heritage.
Joan Juncosa’s initiative seeks to generate reflection on the use of public space and question why we have normalized this situation. Through his work, Juncosa invites us to rethink our relationship with the urban environment and to care for and preserve the common space we share.
Colored urinals as a deliberate and symbolic protest
These everyday objects, normally associated with intimacy and physiological need, become an artistic expression that defies convention and confronts the public with the uncomfortable reality of their actions.
By hanging the urinals in emblematic places in the city, Juncosa seeks to remind people that actions have consequences and that we should be aware of how they affect the environment.
The installation of the colored urinals has been carried out in ten different locations in Barcelona, including the cathedral area, Via Laietana, l’Argenteria, the church of Santa Maria del Mar and the Born area.
These places represent both tourist areas and lesser-known but equally affected by the odor problem.
The objective of this initiative is to raise awareness and promote a change of attitude towards the use of public space.
Through urban art and visual provocation, Juncosa sends the final message: “Barcelona, you will shine again! The inspiring message suggests that as a community it is possible to transform and improve the city’s environment.
An independent initiative
It is important to note that this artistic installation has not been promoted by the city council of Barcelona, but is an independent initiative of the artist.
However, its visual impact and provocative message have generated attention and debate in the city, demonstrating the power of art to generate conversations and stimulate social change.
The colored urinals created by Joan Juncosa in Barcelona are an innovative form of protest and denunciation against the bad smell in the streets of the city and the lack of civic culture.
