Habitat and Urban Services
Evolution and tech change
-
1850-1900
Barcelona modernizes its urban services
The second half of the 19th century is a period of development and implementation of many of the urban services that we currently have in the city of Barcelona.
Advance
Public transportation and utilities
Occupation turnover in urban services
Impact
1850-1900
Advance
Public transportation and utilities
Throughout this period, the first buses and trams are inaugurated; the household water supply network is also deployed, and the replacement of oil lighting with incandescent electric lights begins.
Impact
Occupation turnover in urban services
Occupations related to the new urban services emerged, such as urban transport drivers, or profiles related to the installation, maintenance, and management of electric lighting and the water supply network. However, occupations like lamplighter became extinct.
-
1900-1920
Techniques and tools for high-rise construction
The use of heavy machinery on construction sites is expanding, and new techniques that facilitate the construction of taller buildings and increase the complexity of projects are becoming popular.
Advance
Tower cranes and reinforced concrete
More diversity and professional specialization
Impact
1900-1920
Advance
Tower cranes and reinforced concrete
Two key innovations for the construction of tall buildings are tower cranes - electric structures for moving and lifting materials, and reinforced concrete - a highly durable material with metal reinforcements.
Impact
More diversity and professional specialization
On one hand, occupations related to new techniques and dimensions of construction arise, such as tower crane operator or work-at-height technician. On the other hand, professional specialization in the sector increases, and profiles like civil engineer, architect specialized in structures, and facilities technician, among others, become more consolidated.
-
1960-1975
The first construction boom in Spain
The end of the autarchic stage of Franco’s regime favors intense economic growth and rural-to-urban migration, resulting in an increase in the demand for housing.
Advance
Peak in housing demand
Cross-functional job creation
Impact
1960-1975
Advance
Peak in housing demand
The construction of housing increases during this period due to the rise in family income levels, the opening to foreign tourism, and rural migration, which entails a massive movement of people from the countryside to the city.
Impact
Cross-functional job creation
Between 1960 and 1975, there is a significant expansion of the construction sector, which also translates into employment. The active workforce in the sector increased from 6.7% in 1960 to 10.4% in 1970. However, during this period, there were few advances in construction techniques, and the jobs created were low-skilled and unqualified.
-
1980-1990
The great success of the urban transformation of Barcelona ‘92
The transformation of the city to host the 1992 Olympic Games “puts Barcelona on the map” and makes the city a reference in Olympic urban planning.
Advance
A city for the citizens
International prestige
Impact
1980-1990
Advance
A city for the citizens
The most important aspects of the urban transformation in Barcelona are the recovery of the coastline, the creation of new green areas, and the traffic planning thanks to the construction of the Ring Roads.
Impact
International prestige
The Olympics boost activity in the construction sector and create employment in the Metropolitan Area. They also promote a new model of urban services in the city, better funded, which takes into account the opinions of local movements and the long-term uses of the city. This requires a broader workforce with diverse and specialized professionals.
-
1990-2000
Legislation specific to occupational safety and health for the construction sector
As a result of joining the European Union, the Spanish state must update the legislation on occupational safety and health to align it with the community standards.
Advance
Royal Decree 1627/1997
New obligations in terms of safety
Impact
1990-2000
Advance
Royal Decree 1627/1997
Legislation on safety and health specific to construction. It emphasizes the importance of safety and health studies before any construction work, the incident logbook, and emergency measures.
Impact
New obligations in terms of safety
The new regulations detail the obligations related to safety for the agents involved in the construction project and introduce the roles of Promoter of construction works and Safety and Health Coordinator. These professionals must have specific training in occupational safety and health to ensure safe working conditions in the construction sector.
-
2010-2020
Environmentally-friendly construction
Sustainable construction is key in the fight against climate change, as the sector is estimated to produce 40% of CO2 emissions and accounts for 35% of global energy consumption.
Advance
Sustainable construction
Professional recycling with a focus on sustainability
Impact
2010-2020
Advance
Sustainable construction
Some measures to reduce environmental impact include recycled or recyclable materials, HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and proper waste management.
Impact
Professional recycling with a focus on sustainability
On one hand, professionals dedicated to project definition and execution must incorporate sustainability criteria and learn to work with new techniques and materials. On the other hand, new specialized professions emerge, such as Wooden construction site technician, Modular construction designer technician, or Environmental management technician in construction.
-
2020 – Future
The cities of the future are smart
One of the main trends in the sector is Smart Cities: cities that improve the efficiency of traditional urban networks and services through digital solutions.
Advance
Smart Cities
Technical and hybrid profiles
Impact
2020 – Future
Advance
Smart Cities
They include more connected urban transport networks, efficient lighting and climate control systems, a more interactive and responsive municipal administration, and, in general, aim to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population.
Impact
Technical and hybrid profiles
Regarding employment in the sector, the development of smart cities requires the involvement of highly skilled professionals and promotes the emergence of hybrid occupations that combine traditional competencies in construction and urban services with others related to new technologies or the Green and Circular Economy.