The Evolution of Spanish Urban Planning: 1939 to the Present Day

Urban Planning: Theory and Practice

The ordering of urban space is handled by urbanism. This discipline has a theoretical dimension (urban theory) and a practical dimension (urban planning), which includes the entire municipal territory—i.e., rural land and urban areas. Its aim is to design new spaces for future growth and transform existing ones according to the social demands of each historical period.

Early Urban Planning Efforts (19th–20th Century)

Between the second half of the nineteenth century and the first third of the twentieth century, the first urban planning efforts took place, coinciding with the time that urban growth exceeded the preindustrial city walls.

Key Planning Adjustments

• Geometric Expansion Plans: Established urban street alignment plans, which determined that the course should be straight and have a certain width.
• Sanitation Plans: Related to the spread of hygienist ideas about the health of the city.
• Service Improvements and Urban Equipment: Included the creation of public parks, streetcars, lighting, and paving.

The Autarky Era (1939–1960): Planning Objectives

During the era of autarky (1939–1960), planning focused on three main objectives:

1. The reconstruction of the cities most damaged by the Civil War (e.g., Guernica, Guadalajara, Oviedo).
2. The development of housing legislation (subsidized housing, social housing, urban tenancies/leases).
3. The organization of urban growth, which was addressed by the Law of the Land and Urban Regime (1956). This law established planning at different national scales.

The Development Period (1960–1975)

During the time of development (1960–1975), the Land Law and zoning regulations remained in effect.

Negative Consequences of Rapid Construction

• Building often removed valuable heritage items and was characterized by excessive height and density, and the low quality of constructions, which experienced an early decline.
• Increased urban congestion and associated environmental problems, such as air and water pollution. Congestion polygons were created on major roadways.

Urban Planning in the Postindustrial Era (Since 1975)

This era is marked by the implementation of the status of autonomy, granting autonomous communities powers over land use, planning, and housing.

• General Urban Plan (Plan): This is the basic tool for integrated urban planning of municipal development. It projects land use, soil classification, floor area, and building density for a number of years in each area.
• Social Democratization: Reflected in the participation of citizens in urban planning and the tendency to alleviate inherited inequalities. As a result, there is less importance placed on "planning from below" and in pieces, through special plans for specific actions. Note: These specific interventions have not always been well integrated into the entire city and tend to neglect performances in the suburban environment.
• Globalization and System Change: Reflected in planning since the 1990s. The desire for revitalization in some cities in crisis and increased competition among cities to attract investments have led cities to elaborate strategic plans for revitalization, urban marketing, and promotion.