Urban Morphology of Bilbao: A Historical Overview
Bilbao: A History of Urban Development
The Old City
Bilbao’s Old City, a defining feature, is situated on the Nervión River estuary, which shaped its maritime character. Its grid layout, enclosed by a frame, reflects a mix of residential, manufacturing, and commercial activities. The 14th-century wall was replaced in the 17th century by the Ronda street. The 18th century saw the construction of buildings like the Plaza Nueva and El Arenal promenade, fostering commercial and craft activities and expanding the original core. However, the industrial development of the late 19th century brought deterioration. Buildings increased in height to accommodate housing needs, reaching 3 to 5 stories, and were often subdivided or sublet. Wealthier residents migrated to areas like Ribera and El Arenal, leaving the Seven Streets to decline until the mid-20th century, when structural decay threatened its existence. Owners abandoned or rented properties at low prices, neglecting renovations. Despite this, some businesses continued to operate.
The Ensanche
From the mid-19th century, industrial and financial growth fueled the city’s expansion. The construction of the railway spurred development, leading to the First Ensanche. Centered around the Gran Vía, it extended towards the Plaza Elíptica. Following the annexation of Deusto and Begoña in 1924, expansion continued with the Second Ensanche, reaching the Plaza del Sagrado Corazón. This phase combined radio-centric and orthogonal planning, featuring wide streets, opulent bourgeois residences, and buildings housing police and financial institutions. It evolved into the central business district (CBD) and an affluent residential area. From 1950, intensive land occupation led to the demolition of older houses to make way for high-rises, banks, and department stores. The late 20th century witnessed Bilbao’s transformation into a tertiary, service-oriented city, driven by the economic crisis of 1973. This shift is evident in the Guggenheim Museum and the Euskalduna Conference Centre, which boosted Bilbao’s cultural and tourism offerings. Other notable developments include the metro, pedestrianized areas, and the Barakaldo Exhibition Centre.
The Urban Periphery
As the city expanded, diverse neighborhoods emerged, characterized by a mix of residential and working-class populations alongside service-oriented businesses (workshops, garages, warehouses, etc.). In the early 20th century, two districts stand out: Iralabarri, inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII as a model neighborhood with affordable worker housing, and the City Garden, built on then-popular hygienist and naturalist principles. Neighborhood layouts varied, with irregular plans like Otxarkoaga and regular ones like San Ignacio. These neighborhoods typically featured closed plots and limited green spaces.
Peri-Urban Fringe
Municipalities surrounding Bilbao also experienced growth alongside the city’s industrial development:
- Left bank municipalities focused on industrial functions, commerce (superport), and middle- and lower-class residential areas.
- Right bank municipalities displayed diverse functions: Leioa (industrial, residential, and cultural-university), Getxo (middle- and upper-class residential).
- Southeast municipalities primarily served industrial purposes, sometimes combined with agriculture.
- The Asu Valley, in addition to its industrial function, housed important services: Sondika (airport) and Derio (cemetery).
Conclusion
- Bilbao’s urban morphology reflects its diverse development since its founding in 1300. Its topography, a narrow valley carved by the Nervión River and flanked by Artxanda and Pagasarri mountains, has significantly influenced its growth.
- The city has distinct zones: the Old Town, the Ensanche, and working-class neighborhoods, alongside industrial areas. The Gran Vía, built on the former Abando churchyard, forms the central axis of the Ensanche and the city’s life.
- Bilbao is a multifunctional city, serving as a central hub for its surrounding region, not just as a population center but also in terms of its extensive reach. Its transformation into a major service center has greatly contributed to this role.
- Bilbao faces challenges related to limited space for expansion and the constraints imposed by its terrain. Consequently, municipalities on both the right (Getxo) and left (Barakaldo) banks accommodate a significant population and economic activity.