Urban Evolution of Madrid and Valencia: A Comparative Analysis
MADRID
1. The Old Town
A) Position and Location: The origin of the city lies in defensive positions created in the Arab ninth century to protect Toledo’s northern border. Its central location and designation as capital by Philip II made it Spain’s largest city and main hub.
B) Analysis of the Plane: Madrid’s irregular medieval plane features narrow, winding streets, except for roads linking Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace. The Plaza Mayor (17th century) and Gran Vía (20th century) are key landmarks. Major streets follow the demolished 19th-century wall.
C) Analysis of the Plot: The plot is closed and compact due to centuries of growth within walls.
D) Analysis of the Building: Initially low-rise, buildings gradually increased in height. Important historical buildings are located here.
E) Analysis of Land Use: Traditional residential, commercial, and artisanal uses evolved into a tertiary sector. Residential use declined due to accessibility and high land prices. Tourism is significant.
F) Current Issues Affecting the Historic District: Problems include physical and social deterioration, aging population, and marginalization. Solutions involve rehabilitation policies since the 1990s.
2. The Widening
A) Causes of Urban Expansion: Population growth and unsanitary conditions within the walled city necessitated expansion. The bourgeoisie sought a more orderly, hygienic environment.
B) Different Areas:
- The Suburbs: North of the historic center, designed by Carlos María de Castro Cerda with an orthogonal grid, wide streets, and open blocks. Initially middle-class residential, it evolved into a business center (CBD of Azca) with mixed high-end residential and luxury trade.
- Arturo Soria’s Linear City: Late 19th-century project with a linear plane, wide streets, and public transport emphasis. Open plots with gardens were intended for wealthy residents, but densification and mixed land use occurred.
3. The Periphery
A) Causes of Growth: Post-1950, rapid growth due to the baby boom and rural exodus blurred city boundaries, creating peri-urban and suburban areas.
B) Differentiation in the Periphery: Predominantly post-industrial residential areas, industrial zones, and facilities located along communication lines. Some peripheral towns were absorbed by the city.
C) Current Problems and Solutions: Degradation, slums, and inadequate services in older working-class neighborhoods are addressed through action programs.
VALENCIA
1. The Old Town
A) Location and Situation: Roman-origin city in the Gulf of Valencia, near the sea, on high ground safe from flooding. Favorable for communication and economic activity. Spain’s third-largest city, with a significant catchment area and diverse functions, including tourism.
B) Analysis of Hand (Walls): Surrounded by walls in Muslim and Christian eras, with defensive, fiscal, and health functions. The plane was irregular in the Muslim era, becoming more regular after the Christian conquest (1283). The southern part was transformed in the 19th century.
C) Analysis of the Plot: Compact due to centuries of growth within walls.
D) Analysis of the Building: Initially low-rise, buildings experienced vertical integration and renewal processes.
E) Analysis of Land Use: Pre-industrial uses included residential, silk industry, and maritime commerce. Currently, the south houses the CBD with shops, offices, and entertainment. Important historical monuments are preserved.
F) Current Problems: (Addressed in section C below)
B) Differentiation of Areas in the Periphery:
- South: Following the new Turia riverbed, with highways and a traffic ring.
- North: Old runway converted into green space, City of Arts and Sciences, new campus, fairground, and sports facilities.
- Port: Integrated into the city, upgraded due to events like the America’s Cup and Formula 1.
- Outskirts: Residential land use with social housing and private homes, regular plane, industrial, commercial, and equipment areas. Garden areas have been lost to urban expansion.
C) Current Problems and Solutions: Degradation, slums, and inadequate services in older working-class neighborhoods are addressed through action programs, although conflicts arise, such as with the Avenida Blasco Ibáñez extension.