The 22@ and the Glòries: tower, market, superblock
Nouvel's iridescent bullet, the mirrored canopy over the flea market, and the city's idea of the future. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Torre Glòries
Start at the foot of Jean Nouvel's tower — the iridescent bullet that used to be the Agbar. Forty thousand glass louvres, lit at night in shifting colour. You can climb it now via the Mirador at the top; book ahead, or just stand under it and crane your neck.

2. Els Encants Vells
Cross to the flea market under its mirrored golden canopy — the roof reflects the whole bazaar back at itself. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings; come then or you'll find it shuttered. Haggle for the junk; the treasure is finding it.

3. Disseny Hub
The angular grey wedge cantilevering over the plaça — the city's design museum, locals call it 'the stapler'. The permanent collections (fashion, graphics, product design) are quietly excellent, and the steps make a fine place to sit and watch the Glòries traffic loop.

4. Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes
The vast roundabout Cerdà meant to be the city's true centre. For decades it was a tangle of flyovers; now it's being remade as a park. A work in progress — but the new green is where you see Barcelona arguing with itself about what comes next.

5. Parc del Centre del Poblenou
Nouvel again — a walled garden of bougainvillea, climbing plants and odd metal pergolas, designed to feel like a green secret behind high hedges. Half the city walks past without knowing it's there. Go in and find the quiet.

6. A superblock
On the way back, you'll cross one of Poblenou's *superilles* — superblocks where through-traffic is banished and the junctions become squares with benches and ping-pong tables. Stand in the middle of a road that's no longer a road; it's the whole idea in one crossing.

The 22@ and the Glòries: tower, market, superblock