The initiatives of the newly democratic Ajuntament to revive the city were from the start aimed clearly at its semiotic landscape. The Dictadura city can still be read at various levels, but from 1979 it was gradually replaced and updated to express the new values of the socialist Ajuntament. The scope of these projects by the mayor and his architect colleagues was varied but highly effective, including sculpture, public squares, heritage restoration, new architecture, museums, and urban renewal. The programme culminated in the 1992 summer Olympic Games, which was deftly used as a catalyst to enhance the city, including the restored stadium and new Vila Olímpica for the athletes, and to transform its international image.