The essay discusses new roles for urban mega-events dealing with the production of cityscapes to be globally consumed as branded urban images, contributing to what the author names as ‘urbanalisation’. Firstly, a general explanation on mega-events during the XXth Century is suggested. Secondly, main changes regarding the role of urban mega-events at the present moment are explored. Finally, critical analysis of Barcelona urban policies are presented for the illustration of these hypothesis.
Keywords: Urban geography, ‘urbanalisation’, urban mega-event, Olympic urbanism, urban policies, globalization