19th-20th Century Urban Transformations in Madrid

Disentailment (First Half 19th Century)

Historical Context

Beginning in 1836, the disentailment was driven by Juan Álvarez Mendizábal, Minister of Finance in the liberal government. This reform aimed to modernize the Spanish economy and reduce the power of the Church.

Objectives

• Debt Reduction: Obtain revenue to reduce the massive public debt.
• Agrarian Modernization: Modernize agriculture by transferring lands from dead hands to private owners for exploitation.
• Weakening Church Power: Reduce the economic and social power of the Catholic Church, which owned vast tracts of land.

Consequences

• Economic: Public debt was reduced and state resources increased, but land distribution favored the wealthy, worsening inequalities.
• Social: Many peasants and small farmers were displaced, leading to social tensions and a rise in the social proletariat.
• Religious: The Catholic Church lost much of its economic and political power, causing a conservative pushback against liberal changes.
• Urbanization: The sale of ecclesiastical properties promoted urban development and infrastructure modernization.

Ensanche (19th-20th Century)

Historical Context

The 1860 Plan Castro, designed by architect and civil engineer Carlos María de Castro, aimed to modernize Madrid, which was confined by the wall of Philip IV. Madrid's demographic and urban growth necessitated expanding its boundaries and improving its infrastructure.

Characteristics

• Design: An orthogonal scheme, following a regular grid of wide, straight streets, similar to other urban expansions.
• Main Areas: Several residential, commercial, and industrial areas were developed, including Salamanca, Chamberí, and Argüelles.
• Streets and Squares: Broad avenues, tree-lined streets, and important squares were planned to facilitate circulation and beautify the city.

Urban and Social Impact

• Infrastructure Improvement: Enabled the construction of new infrastructure, such as sewer systems, public lighting, and transportation, improving the quality of life for residents.
• Real Estate Development: Promoted the construction of high-quality residential buildings in the north and east areas of the city.
• Separation of Functions: Planned a better functional organization, separating residential areas from industrial and commercial ones.

Evolution and Changes

• Plan Revisions: The plan underwent several modifications to adapt to the city's changing needs.
• Integration of New Technologies: New technologies and construction materials allowed for taller buildings.

Original Plan

• Street Width: Main streets 30m, secondary streets 15-20m.
• Building Height: No more than three floors.
• Health Conditions: Addressed in the plan.
• Block Occupancy: 50%, with garden area equal to building area.