274 The Barcelona Region’s land mosaic
Reflections two years later
Aseries of additional instructive and important messages, some quite
intriguing, has emerged in the two years since the planning project (Forman
2004a) was completed. For international readers, the concepts are useful, while
thespecific places and projects are included to provide real examples. These
are succinctly organized around three phases: (1) the planning project process;
(2) developments after plan completion; and (3) thinking about implementation
and the initial steps.The planning project process
Throughout the process I worked closely with a team of three regional
experts and an organizer/GIS/planning specialist. They took me throughout the
region, taught me, arranged for consultations with knowledgeable leaders, pro-
vided piles of information, and openly answered my never-ending questions. All
became good friends. I can only think of eight things they didn’t tell me, and
the reasons are useful for such a project.(1) Ahigh-speed rail line, Madrid to Barcelona to France. This was under con-
struction, so near the beginning I asked for a map of the route and
station locations. ‘‘Don’t give that to Forman,” was the chief’s response.
Partlytheydid not know and partly the decision was politically charged,
but mainly, I think, he was telling me to produce the best plan possible
without being influenced by other existing or proposed plans. I liked
that.
(2) Along-proposed east--west highway across the large Collserola park.Probably
theydid not mention it because the idea was nearly dead and construc-
tion highly unlikely.
(3) Aproposednewnorth--south highway across Collserola.Ineverlearnedwhy
this was notmentioned; perhaps the highway was considered unlikely.
(4) France-to-Madrid highway being built to pass through Vic.Probably not men-
tioning it was simply an oversight, or it got lost in our three languages.
(5) Important aquifers in the region.Myteam and also outside specialists
searched, but came up with nothing for me. It is possible, though sur-
prising, that the information does not exist; more likely it is buried
somewhere and I needed to consult with a hydrologist.
(6) Groundwater in the Maresma area along the coast. The same reason as in the
preceding case applies.
(7) Gracious wife of one of my team members is the Catalan President’s niece.Prob-
ably they did not wish to affect or complicate my work.