Urban Space Production and Management Strategies

Social Actors in Urban Space Production

The production and management of urban space involves a range of social actors, each defending its own interests: landowners, developers, real estate agents, industrial entrepreneurs, citizens, and political powers. Urban planning is responsible for urban spatial organization. This field possesses a theoretical dimension (planning theory) and a practical dimension (urban design), aiming to design new spaces for future growth and transform existing functions to meet the social demands of each historical period.

The Evolution of Urban Planning Stages

Early Planning: 19th to Early 20th Century

Between the second half of the 19th century and the first third of the 20th century, the first attempts at urban planning occurred. These were limited to areas occupied by the bourgeoisie. The most noteworthy developments included:

• The regularization of the plane (geometric planes for urban expansion).
• The consolidation plans (propagation of hygienist ideas).
• The improvement of municipal services and facilities (parks, streetcars, lighting, etc.).

Autarky and Post-Civil War Reconstruction

During the period of autarky, planning focused on the reconstruction of cities hardest hit by the Civil War, such as Guernica, Guadalajara, and Oviedo. This era saw the development of legislation on housing, including protected housing and social housing. The organization of urban growth was addressed by the Land and Urban Law (1956), which divided the city into zones with different functions, such as administrative, residential, and industrial areas.

Developmentalism: 1960-1975

At the time of development (1960-1975), a series of problems emerged in cities. Building projects sometimes removed valuable items of heritage and were characterized by excessive height and density, as well as the poor quality of construction. This period also saw increased urban congestion and environmental problems.

Post-Industrial Urban Planning Since 1975

In the post-industrial era from 1975 onwards, Spanish urban planning reflects the implementation of state autonomy, social democratization, and globalization.

Autonomous Governance and Planning Tools

The establishment of autonomous status granted the Autonomous Communities powers over land use, planning, and housing. This is carried out through various schemes:

• The General Urban Plan: The basic tool for comprehensive urban planning in a municipality, covering urban development projects for a number of years.
• Partial Plans and Special Plans: Supplementary tools that accompany the general plan.

Democratization and Globalization

Social democratization is reflected in the participation of citizens in urban planning. Various civic organizations now demand concrete measures to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Furthermore, globalization and changes in the global production system are seen in the development of strategic plans for revitalization and urban marketing. These consist of spreading a positive image of the city based on the establishment and improvement of infrastructure, facilities, environmental quality, and sustainable urban development.