When Good Intentions Aren't Good Enough?

Forum Barcelona 2004, an upcoming sustainable development themed-event, is faced with criticism from local groups who contend that it does not practice what is preaches.

1 minute read

May 15, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung


Forum Barcelona 2004 is "a gleaming seaside complex built for 141 days of debates and performances that will aim to promote peace, sustainable development and cultural diversity....Yet for all the good intentions and fine infrastructure, the Forum has not won over all Barcelona's hearts." Over a hundred neighborhood groups have voiced opposition to the Forum, alleging that the event is really just a '"massive real estate operation."' Critics contend that "the development would draw yet more tourists to Barcelona but would bring few benefits for residents of the nearby neighborhoods." However, the Forum's spokesperson adds "that far from hiding the urban planning dimension of the Forum, organizers are open about that agenda. 'Barcelona is a city that has been looking for excuses to redevelop for about 100 years,' he says."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Wednesday, May 12, 2004 in Reuters

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

May 16 - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

May 16 - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

May 16 - Mass Transit