The 21st-Century Panot is an initiative led by the Barcelona City Council, through BIT Habitat and Ecologia Urbana, to transform the traditional sidewalk tile into a more sustainable, functional piece adapted to current environmental challenges. The aim is to preserve the visual identity of the classic designs — the flower and the square — while incorporating principles of circular economy, reduced environmental impact, and acoustic comfort to mitigate the heat island effect and noise pollution.
In collaboration with Breinco, and promoted by the Barcelona City Council and BIT Habitat, an executive project was drafted and an acoustic behaviour study of various panot designs was carried out. The project is based on five lines of work: geometric design, material composition, manufacturing process, installation, and certification.
Regarding the acoustic study, the objective is to reduce the noise generated by the rolling of suitcase wheels over the tile relief, without losing its traditional essence. Four prototypes were developed as alternatives to the original panot, with variations in the depth and edge of the engraving but maintaining the typical flower motif. It was concluded that the panot with only 0.5 mm of relief is the optimal option, as it provides a reduction of up to 14 dB in rolling noise compared to classic tiles. This acoustic improvement is particularly relevant in school, healthcare, and residential environments, where sound comfort is essential.
The feasibility of incorporating 40% recycled aggregates (from rubble or old pavements) into the tiles is foreseen, without compromising their resistance or durability. Likewise, a mortar-free installation system is proposed to facilitate reuse, allowing the tiles to be removed without breaking. This measure significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with their manufacture and handling, and promotes a more circular construction model.
The reduction of tile surface temperature is also considered to help mitigate the urban heat island effect. Temperature tests on tiles of different colours concluded that lighter-coloured tiles have surface temperatures 12% lower than darker ones.
The executive project of the 21st-Century Panot represents an innovative proposal that, through research, puts forward a more sustainable design that ensures healthy acoustic levels. It is an example of how engineering can transform traditional infrastructures to improve quality of life. This initiative exemplifies the commitment to sustainability, urban comfort, and innovation, harnessing technology in the service of citizens’ well-being.
