The Permanence of Plot Structure in the Confi guration of Ground Floors A Morphological Dissection of Four Blocks in Barcelona’s Eixample Grid

The Eixample grid in Barcelona, envisioned by Cerdà in 1859, is renowned for its high density of inhabitants and intensity of activities. While recent urban interventions like the Superilles (Superblocks) and Supereixos (Superaxes) emphasize street dynamics, the intricacies at pavement level within blocks have remained outside discussions. In a scenario in which the ground floor premises could have become the object of property speculation as a result of their revaluation due to the improvement of the adjacent public space, a series of components have strengthened the grid to maintain resilience and preserve the mix of uses and the diversity of fabrics. This study delves into ‘the other side of the façade’, to explore the architectural configurations of ground floors and the balance of activities that affect the diverse ways individuals inhabit, work and engage with an urban fragment at pavement level. The research examines four neighbouring blocks to ascertain the influence of the enduring plot structure on urban morphology and vitality. It reveals that landownership not only characterizes the physical environment but also the social and economic dimensions at street level.