Barcelona City Council

Aug 2019

In a sophisticated fusion of civic duty and urban design, the Barcelona City Council has launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign to navigate the complex intersection of local skateboarding culture and pedestrian safety. By moving beyond traditional, sterile signage, this initiative—developed in collaboration with the design studio Forma—transforms the city streets themselves into a communication medium. The project identity leans into a documentary aesthetic, utilizing high-contrast typography and minimalist iconography to relay behavioral regulations across the urban landscape. From stenciled ground markings on stone pavers to mounted informational signage, the campaign employs a clever blend of street-level intervention and commercial graphic design to foster coexistence in high-traffic plazas like the Placa dels Angels. The project thrives on a naturalistic approach, capturing the raw, textured character of Barcelona through natural light and candid photography that highlights how these bold red and white warnings integrate into the daily rhythm of city life. Through the strategic use of spray paint and typography, the effort turns prohibition into an accessible, multilingual conversation that respects the architectural heritage of the city while providing clear guidance for all inhabitants. This campaign stands as a compelling example of how public authorities can utilize thoughtful design to manage shared spaces without sacrificing the visual identity of the metropolitan environment.

Lifestyle, Commercial

Natural light

Public Awareness, Non-Profit