These three sites were chosen for their strong sun exposure, heavy foot traffic and unique heritage or landscape features. A competition has been launched to find tailored solutions for them that go beyond the shading systems currently being installed in playgrounds and public squares, while maintaining high architectural standards. The new structures will also need to blend into their surroundings and be sustainable, modular and easy to install and remove. Open until 27 November, the competition specifies minimum coverage areas of: 2,000 m² at Portal de l’Àngel, 1,600 m² at Passeig Marítim,and 1,400 m² at Plaça Comercial, as set out in the rules published on the procurement portal.

Shading systems for areas where trees cannot be planted

This initiative forms part of the Shade Programme, which is included in both the Climate Plan and the Local and Interior Spaces Programme (PEPI). Its goal is to help the city adapt to the challenges of climate change while protecting public health, particularly for those most vulnerable to heat. While the overall strategy focuses on creating shade through vegetation and planting more trees, some locations, especially those with built-up subsoil, make tree planting impossible, requiring the installation of structures such as awnings instead.

More than 200 new shade structures by 2027

The overarching goal of the plan is to create 217 new shaded spaces across the city by 2027. In 2025 alone, nearly 60 shade-generating systems have already been installed, primarily in children’s play areas, with plans to reach 120 play areas by 2027. In addition, a new project awarded in October will provide shade for 13 public spaces, including Plaça de Joanic, Plaça de Lesseps, Plaça de la Sedeta, Plaça del Canòdrom and Plaça d’Àngel Pestaña, which are scheduled to be operational by summer 2026. The Shade Programme has also added shade to 36 school playgrounds, with the target of reaching 66 by summer 2027.