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Living with the River: The Role of Bridges in Shaping Valencia’s Urban Form Until 1957

Author

Listed:
  • María-Montiel Durá-Aras

    (Department of Urbanism, School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Eric Gielen

    (Department of Urbanism, School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • José-Sergio Palencia-Jiménez

    (Department of Urbanism, School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Stergios-Aristoteles Mitoulis

    (The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

Abstract

This study offers a novel perspective on the role of bridges as agents of urban transformation by examining their influence on the morphological development of Valencia (Spain) from the 13th century to the catastrophic flood of 1957. Traditionally viewed as mere connective infrastructure, bridges are reframed here as key structuring elements that shaped urban expansion, resilience strategies, and socio-spatial dynamics. Through an innovative classification based on stages of bridges , the research integrates historical cartography, cadastral data, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to trace how successive waves of bridge construction aligned with distinct socio-political, environmental, and technological contexts. The study demonstrates that bridge development not only facilitated territorial connectivity but also directed urban growth patterns, enabled functional zoning, and responded adaptively to flood risk and demographic pressure. The case of Valencia is particularly significant in light of contemporary challenges in climate adaptation and sustainable urban planning. By unveiling bridges as morphological and functional drivers of urban form, this research offers transferable insights for cities worldwide grappling with the legacy of riverine geographies and the pressures of resilient transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • María-Montiel Durá-Aras & Eric Gielen & José-Sergio Palencia-Jiménez & Stergios-Aristoteles Mitoulis, 2025. "Living with the River: The Role of Bridges in Shaping Valencia’s Urban Form Until 1957," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:8:p:1625-:d:1722219
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. María-Montiel Durá-Aras & Eric Gielen & José-Sergio Palencia-Jiménez & Josep Lluís Miralles-García, 2023. "Bridges over the River Turia: Genesis of the Urban History of Valencia," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-27, December.
    2. Elif Sarihan & Éva Lovra, 2024. "Uncovering Urban Palimpsest through Descriptive and Analytical Approaches to Urban Morphology—Understanding the Ottoman Urban Fabric of Bursa, Türkiye," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-29, September.
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