The city has both places that are compressed and places that are expanded.  In the old city of Barcelona where the streets are narrow  and winding and the only open space that can be seen is the sky above, people utilize their balconies as extensions of their small apartments.  Often the opened doors, windows, and people also create a more compressed feeling in these streets.  Interestingly, though, these compressed spaces are extremely popular.  In contrast, Barcelona has spaces that are extremely open or expanded.  Courtyard spaces and wide streets, such as the diagonal make for expanded spaces which are even more strikingly open during the hours of siesta.  These spaces are utilized by the local inhabitants in much the same way as a backyard would be used in a suburban home, however these spaces are much more dynamic and vibrant because of the many people from all age groups.  Compared to the tiny one lane streets of the old city, the larger boulevards such as the diagonal also show a distinct contrast of compression and expansion in the city.