In an effort to move towards a more sustainable pavement, Barcelona will conduct tests of three types of new sustainable panots in the Poblenou district for one year. The project focuses on panots, the flower-shaped pavers that have been a distinctive feature of the city for decades.
Barcelona is taking bold steps to improve the sustainability and efficiency of its iconic streets. These new panots are the result of a competition held by the municipal foundation BIT Habitat, which sought a more sustainable and contemporary design for the panots, which are an iconic symbol of the city.
In this regard, the first deputy mayor, Laia Bonet, announced the plan during a presentation in the construction area of the Almogàvers promenade, located in the Parc i la Llacuna neighborhood of Poblenou.
Poblenou with sustainable panots
The objective of this project is to upgrade the panots to make them more sustainable, using recycled materials and more innovative construction techniques.
The three variants to be tested are the ’21st Century Panot’, ‘Panot +’ and ‘R3PANOT’. Each of these designs incorporates recycled aggregates and cement from steel slag to reduce CO2 emissions and carbon footprint.
These new panels are also designed to reduce noise caused by contact with the pavement, mitigate the heat island effect and neutralize pollutant gases.
Over the next year, a comprehensive evaluation of these panots, including strength, durability and their environmental impact, will be carried out. The results of these tests will help define the specifications for future public works contracts related to the city’s pavement.
Environmentally sustainable city
Sustainability is a key priority in Barcelona’s strategy to improve its streets and public spaces. The city has already made progress in areas such as creating more green areas and promoting sustainable mobility.
The renovation of the panots is a further step in this direction, as it seeks to reduce the environmental impact of the city’s streets and improve the quality of life for residents.
It is important to note that this project reflects a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in the city’s infrastructure.
The investment of 240,000 euros in this project underscores Barcelona’s focus on finding more sustainable and efficient solutions for its urban needs.
Barcelona’s iconic “panot”: its meaning in the city
The “panot” of Barcelona is more than just a simple tile on the ground; it is a symbol of the city that has gone unnoticed by many. This distinctive design, depicting a four-petaled flower, is found everywhere from souvenirs and T-shirts to tattoos.
