Spatial integration processes of mass housing estates. The case of Madrid

Abstract

[EN] Urban regeneration of deprived urban areas is one of the most important challenges of cities. This is recognised by International Urban Guidelines (ONU), as well as the Leipzig Charter and the Toledo Declaration (EU). Several studies have pointed out that mass housing states—the typical Modernist urban form—as one of the most deprived ones. Research has also indicated the physical, social, and economic problems associated to this urban form. Some authors have suggested that the original low spatial accessibility of housing estates within the city’s street network could be one in part responsible to their early urban obsoscence. In Spain moreover, fifty years after the construction of most housing states, their initial accessibility conditions have changed. The research objective is triple. Firstly, to consider criteria to study the integration evolution. Secondly, to characterize the integration processes of mass housing estates. This allows a suitable evaluation of each specific case, adding nuances to generic visions. Lastly, to help to stakeholders to propose improvement strategies during urban regeneration processes. Using Space Syntax techniques, this paper shows the analysis of the original (1970s) and actual (2010s) spatial integration of six case studies in Madrid. Research methods also include data collection and definition of analysis scenarios adapted to Spanish datasets and interpretation of results.