The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) has taken significant strides towards sustainable urban growth by initiating the Urban Planning Director Plan (PDU). This plan serves as an update to the General Metropolitan Plan from 1976 and aims for the metropolitan area to house an additional 184,000 residents, raising the population to 3.6 million over the next few decades. The primary goal is to build 131,000 new homes along with the necessary amenities and public spaces without extending the current urban footprint.

One of the key objectives of the PDU is to achieve a more balanced development strategy across the metropolitan area. The document emphasizes the need for the area to become more than just 'Barcelona and the rest' by promoting the creation of new 'centralities.' This approach aims to enhance the balance between housing, commercial activity, and public resources, ensuring that all regions within the metropolitan area can thrive independently while integrating effectively with the broader urban network.

As Barcelona faces challenges in accommodating its growing population, this plan represents a proactive response to pressing urban issues like housing shortages, urban sprawl, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on enhancing existing urban spaces and creating a more interconnected metropolitan region, the PDU aims to address the housing needs of the future while also considering the environmental and social implications of urban development.