Is Barcelona And Trivandrum an Unlikely Pair?
Barcelona, which is the capital of Catalonia, is one of the most dynamic regions of Spain. It is a great artistic and cultural centre with a unique identity among its European counterparts. Trivandrum(capital of Kerala), which was the capital of the Old Travancore, also is distinguished as a place of cultural uniqueness.
Geographically Barcelona is situated near the Mediterranean coast while Trivandrum lies near the Arabian Sea.
Barcelona is recognized as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and international trade. Barcelona is a major economic centre with one of Europe’s principal Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain
A park in Barcelona
Described as one of the greenest cities in India, Trivandrum is not a planned city, but is considered as an educational hub, with several Institutions of technology, and well-known tourist destination
If you like to compare the population of the two cities Barcelona is home to about 5 million people while Trivandrum has a population of about 7 lakhs.
Barcelona provides an excellent example or urban growth, how to follow the modern trends and at the same time make the development with its signature cultural uniqueness.
Modern Architechture in Barcelona
Barcelona had realized that city planning opens up new avenues for larger number of people to work and live comfortably. They believe in building upwards rather than spreading out so that people get more open space parks and greenery. Trivandrum has not yet decided on which lines it should develop, but people are determined that it should be a sustainable development.
Barcelona saw a huge change in urban development during 1992 Olympics. The city is now at a third phase of development by developing a new High Technology zone, a new container port etc which Trivandrum is also dreaming about, the Vizhinjam Port. Residential plots are undergoing major changes and Trivandrum is also thinking on which lines we should follow.
The Development of Barcelona following a culture led approach with planned gentrification based around high quality architecture, new museums and hotels.
We can learn from Barcelona, How they developed their parks, beaches, museums ,cultural centres,economy, Architecture, Transport and infrastructure, Airport, Seaport, Residential areas, roads and highways ,public transport and many more things.
People in Trivandrum also dream big about people to people cultural exchange as we used to have to former USSR. It may open up new avenues for students who would like to study in Spain. Not the least, the aspirations of some young football lovers in Trivandrum to get a close look at stars of Barcelona if possible.
Not being pessimistic, but people doubt, in spite of the good dreams of Dr.Sashi Tharoor, whether anything will work out. It was a very dark reminder about how far we have to go when the team from Barcelona visited our city and watched the hideous condition of our city. But still we hope of a better Trivandrum
To end with a quote.
“No one can survive merely by conservation. If there is no new construction, the city cannot stand; not even the old will endure. Each city must find its own formula for combining existing symbols with new ones, without the latter, antiquity becomes mere repetition. “(Pasqual Maragall, Mayor of Barcelona, 1982-97)
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Author: Observer (1 Articles)
I am a teacher and freelance writer in Trivandrum
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We need to make it happen. The bond with Barcelona will help Trivandrum by sharing ideas and culture. Great post!
“5 million people while Trivandrum has a population of about 7 lakhs.” should have used either millions or lakhs for both..
sorry, i also thought about it, but didnt take the trouble to change
Great observation,I think Trivandrum could be up by few lakh in population from 2001 figures.any way Trivandrum can a lot from Barcelona in building the city with a long term vision.Cultural exchange would be an additional luxury.
Correction: learn a lot
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