Evolution of Spanish and Catalan Urban Areas

Historic Urban Districts

Restored districts with historic buildings, cathedrals, palaces, and government buildings. These are primarily residential with limited amenities and services.

19th and 20th Century Suburbs

Originally built for the bourgeoisie with low-rise apartments and courtyards. Now service areas as wealthier residents moved.

Outlying Areas

Working-Class Neighborhoods

Often dormitory cities with high-rise flats built in the mid-20th century for immigrant workers. These areas have poor planning, materials, and services.

High-Standard Neighborhoods

Planned suburban areas with 2-3 story buildings or single-story houses with gardens, resembling garden city models.

Since the 1970s, many European cities have seen population shifts to metropolitan peripheries due to housing costs and the search for tranquility. This diffuse urbanization increases transportation and infrastructure costs.

Administrative and Service Functions

Located in the city center (Central Business District - CBD), with excellent services and high costs. These areas include banks, multinational companies, luxury shops, museums, and theaters, with high traffic during working hours and deserted nights.

Industrial Function

Historically in city centers, now located in industrial estates in the suburbs with lower land prices and good road connections.

Urban Phenomenon in Spain and Catalonia

Background

Most of the Spanish and Catalan population lives in urban metropolitan areas. The urban lifestyle has extended to rural areas. Madrid and Barcelona are the major metropolitan centers.

Pre-Industrial City

Introduction

From the first Iberian cities to the industrial era, including Roman, Medieval, and Modern cities.

Roman City

Dense network of cities connected by Roman roads, such as Augusta Emerita (Merida), Tarraco, and Caesar Augusta (Zaragoza). Centers of political and military power.

Medieval City

Muslim cities like Cordoba were major commercial and cultural centers. Christian cities grew with royal privileges and economic growth, leading to the construction of palaces and cathedrals.

Modern City

17th and 18th centuries saw population growth and expansion outside city walls. Reforms in the 18th century improved hygiene with sewers and paving. Charles III implemented reforms in Madrid.