Urban Hierarchy and City Classification in Spain and Beyond

Urban Hierarchy and City Types

Urban hierarchy: The hierarchy is inherent in the urban system: on the one hand the hierarchy within a city and on the other the hierarchy depending on the size of cities.

A) Urban internal hierarchy

A) Urban internal hierarchy: This includes an old historic core (which may be medieval, Roman, or recent), a CBD (Central Business District)—a formed business area where we find tertiary activities—residential areas created to meet the housing demands of different social classes, and rurban (peri-urban/suburban) areas: in these newer zones are integrated residential and dormitory towns; in addition there are industrial sites and areas of special functions such as sports facilities, nursing homes and new green areas.

B) Hierarchy of cities

B) Hierarchy of the cities: Functional specialization, differences in size, and different degrees of integration create a hierarchical organization of cities. It is based on three principles:

1. The larger the size of the city, the greater the diversity of goods and services.
2. Greater population and functions produce a larger area of influence.
3. Area of influence varies from city to city depending on function and connectivity.

The different types are:

1. 1. Megalopolis

   Megalopolis: This is the most extensive urban dimension. It occurs when two large metropolises physically and functionally unite, although they were born separated in time. Examples: Tokyo–Yokohama and New York–Jersey City.

2. 2. Conurbation

   Conurbation: Similar to a megalopolis, but specifically the union of two or more cities that are not necessarily multiple large metropolises.

3. 3. Metropolitan areas

   Metropolitan areas: When a principal metropolis joins with other nearby urban municipalities that are always secondary and smaller than the main city. Example: Madrid in relation to its dormitory towns.

4. 4. Metropolis

   Metropolis: A common model found in virtually all countries, usually the capital or the dominant city in the national system. Examples: Madrid and Barcelona.

5. 5. Regional metropolises

   Regional metropolises: In Spain we have a total of seven. Valencia, Seville, Bilbao and Zaragoza exceed or approach one million inhabitants; Palma de Mallorca, La Coruña and Valladolid are also significant for their regional roles.

6. 6. Mid-sized cities

   Mid-sized cities: The population of these cities—about 15 in Spain—exceeds 250,000 inhabitants. Examples: Murcia, Vigo, Alicante.

7. 7. Small cities

   Small cities: This group includes the remaining 34 cities, ranging in size between 50,000 and 200,000 inhabitants.

8. 8. Towns

   Towns: Usually under 50,000 inhabitants, although there are clear exceptions. Some settlements commonly called "pueblos" may function in practice like small cities or be grouped with them.

9. 9. Hamlet, farmhouse or farm

   Hamlet, farmhouse or farm: Generally an aggregation of one or more families and the lowest level in the urban hierarchy. These settlements tend to disappear over time.