Spanish Urban System: Structure, Evolution, and Functions
Spanish Urban System
System of Cities
The Spanish urban system, a dynamic network of urban centers, reflects the country’s historical development, geographical diversity, and economic transformations. It operates at global, regional, and national scales, with physical features like the coast and rivers playing a crucial role in its formation.
Historical Development
The Roman era laid the foundation for the urban network, followed by a medieval urban renaissance in the 12th and 13th centuries. Trade with America fueled urban growth, and the selection of Madrid as the capital further shaped the system. The provincial division and subsequent industrialization significantly impacted urban populations and migration patterns. Tourism, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, brought about substantial spatial and socio-economic changes. The establishment of autonomous territories fostered regional subsystems, while integration into the European Union connected Spanish networks with the broader European urban system.
Regional Variations
- North and Ebro Valley: This area encompasses the polycentric Galician subsystem with coastal population concentrations, the Basque-Cantabrian subsystem led by Bilbao, and the Aragon subsystem centered around Zaragoza.
- East Coast: The Mediterranean coast features interconnected subsystems, including the Catalan, Valencian, and Murcian subsystems, linked to the European Mediterranean system.
- South: The Andalusian urban subsystem, with Seville as its regional metropolis, is divided into coastal and Guadalquivir axes.
- Islands: The Canary and Balearic Islands possess distinct subsystems.
- Central Peninsula: Madrid’s influence extends to the Castile-La Mancha and Castile and Leon subsystems.
The Rural Settlement
Rural settlements in Spain have undergone significant changes due to societal shifts, migration, and economic developments. Water availability and relief have been key factors in settlement patterns, with variations observed between Atlantic and Mediterranean Spain.
Settlement Types
- Dispersed Settlement: Characterized by isolated rural houses surrounded by farmland, with some areas exhibiting a combination of dispersed and small clustered settlements.
- Concentrated Settlement: More prevalent in northern Spain, where rivers serve as focal points, with decreasing distances between settlements. Regional variations include concentrated settlements in small clusters in inner-northern Spain, compact settlements in medium to large nuclei in southern Spain, and a mix of concentration and dispersion in Mediterranean Spain.
Urban Functions and Areas of Influence
Spanish cities are multifunctional, serving various purposes such as industrial, commercial, transportation, tourism, religious, educational, administrative, and healthcare functions. Each city exerts influence over a surrounding area, known as its area of urban influence, which may or may not align with administrative boundaries. Factors like population size, specialization, and the range of functions determine the extent of a city’s influence.