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Ildefons Cerdà (1815-1876), trained as a civil engineer in Madrid, has produced two major works: El Proyecto de Ensanche de Barcelona (1859) and Teoría General de la Urbanización (1867). UNESCO welcomes this exhibition because of the scientific, ethical and visionary characteristics of his work. It provides a lively, accessible and pedagogical overview of the origins of modern urbanism. This exhibition, organised by MOST as a follow-up to Habitat II, pursues three main objectives: To contribute to the dissemination of knowledge to professionals, urban stakeholders and inhabitants, in order to better understand urban development. To re-introduce in urban dynamics the participation of citizens in urban affairs, on the basis of good governance, urban management and social cohesion. To continue the critical thinking on the scientific, technical and methodological bases of urbanism in preparation of the XXI century. The exhibition is divided in three parts: the first presents the origins and influences of Cerdà’s work within the history of modern urbanism, together with his biography. The second part gives an overview of the evolution of urban projects in Barcelona ; of the contemporary theories on urbanism ; of the extension of the town hall of Barcelona ; and of the development of Cerdà’s reflection on urbanism. The third part displays the theory of urbanisation and its instruments of analysis, the development of the proces of urbanisation, and, finally, Cerdà’s model compared to other spanish models of extension. Contact person: Germán Solinís, UNESCO-MOST Programme (+33 (0)1 45.68.38.37)

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