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

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.