Urban Expansion and Neighborhoods in Industrial Cities (Mid-19th to Early 20th Century)
The Industrial City: Urban Expansion and Neighborhoods
Between the mid-nineteenth century and the first third of the twentieth century, cities that introduced modern industries attracted large rural populations and expanded beyond pre-industrial walls. Most cities outgrew their historical centers, leading to the demolition of old walls and their replacement with circular roads or boulevards that differentiated the old city from the new. This expansion led to the creation of bourgeois, industrial, and working-class neighborhoods, as well as neighborhood gardens.
The Bourgeois Expansion
The bourgeois expansion created new spaces that met the demands of urban growth for the bourgeoisie.
- Initial Phase: Expansion plans adopted a regular grid pattern with low-density plots, open blocks on one or two sides, and extensive gardens. The most dynamic cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, led these initial expansions.
- Later Phase: Over time, the expansion changed. Plots became denser, and buildings became more vertical. Bourgeois villas and houses were replaced by apartment blocks around 1960. Land use shifted towards tertiary activities, which moved from the city center to the main streets.
Industrial and Working-Class Neighborhoods and Suburbs
Industrial facilities were established in the urban periphery, close to major access roads, ports, and railway stations. Migrant workers in industrial cities could not afford to live in the highly valued older areas, so they settled in towns, slums, or hidden neighborhoods.
- Characteristics: These areas had closed and dense plots, dominated by small-scale, low-quality housing.
- Present Day: With urban growth, these old industrial and working-class neighborhoods now occupy a central position in the urban space, increasing their land value. The most valued areas have been remodeled, while less accessible and disorganized areas remain marginalized and deteriorated.
The Periphery and Recent Urban Transformation: The Suburbs
- Slums or shantytowns
- Public housing neighborhoods
- Housing estates developed by private companies
- Closed blocks and neighborhoods
- Single-family housing areas
Spain in the European Union: The Implications of Integration
Spain’s integration into the European Community had significant political, economic, and social implications.
- Political: Integration reinforced the Spanish democratic system and the rule of law.
- Economic: Spain, with a significant economic delay compared to the EEC at the time of admission, had double the unemployment rate of Europe and low productivity. Integration ended decades of isolation and divergent economic development, allowing Spain access to a large market. Reforms were necessary to adapt to EU policies on agriculture, fisheries, industry, transport, and trade. Spain received substantial financial aid for these efforts.
- Social: Spain lacked a welfare state comparable to other members. Since joining, the government has increased spending to create and consolidate one.
Problems of Spanish Cities
Spanish cities, especially urban areas, face numerous problems.
Problems of Agglomeration
- Demographic and Constructive Densification and Urban Pressure on Undeveloped Space: Addressed by distributing population, activities, and facilities to medium-sized cities or rural areas.
- High Housing Costs: Due to high land prices driven by demand and speculation. Offset by housing construction.
- Need for Supplies and Equipment: Urban growth increases consumption of water, energy, and other resources, requiring costly investments and promoting conservation.
- Traffic Management and Transport: Many cities address traffic problems with ring roads, parking areas, and limited car use.
Social Problems
More common in large cities due to stress, including crime, social alienation, alcoholism, and prostitution.
Environmental Problems
- Urban Microclimate: Caused by traffic and industry.
- Air Pollution: Caused by traffic and heating, creating a hood of dust and smoke.
- High Noise Levels: Causing headaches, deafness, and insomnia.
- Waste Disposal: Urban sewage is not fully treated. Recycling is promoted.
- Disappearance of Green Spaces: Increases congestion. Addressed by installing urban spaces and renovating plazas and gardens.