INTRODUCTION

Born in Madrid, Spain in 1844, Soria y Mata

would have witnessed firsthand the growing
pains of a rapidly urbanizing nation.

An important Spanish urban planner whose

work remains highly inspirational today.

He is well known for his concept of the Linear

City for application to Madrid and elsewhere.

Though he embarked on studies for a civil

engineering career, he didn't complete them.
FACTORS INFLUENCING URBAN FORM

GEOGRAPHY TRADE PRACTICES

PERIOD OF IMPACT OF NATURAL

DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT

SOCIAL, POLITICAL &

ECONOMICAL FORCES
 LINEAR CITY
In 1882, a Spanish urban planner named Arturo
Soria y Mata proposed a radical idea to address
the growing problems of cities: the Linear City.
This concept envisioned a city that stretched
out in a long, narrow band, with various
functions segregated into distinct zones.

Soria y Mata believed this design would create

a more efficient, healthy, and equitable urban
environment.
OVERCROWDIN G
CONGESTION

PROBLEMS
O F 19T H -C ENTURY
C I T I ES

SANITATION LACK OF GREEN

ISSUES SPACE
CONCEPT

• ELONGATED URBAN FORMATION

• FUNCTIONAL ZONES:
⚬ TRAN SP ORTATION C ORRID OR
⚬ RE SID E N TIAL ARE AS W ITH GRE E N SP AC E
⚬ IN D USTRIAL AN D C OM M E RC IAL SE C TORS

• EXPANSION THROUGH ADDING NEW

ZONES
• •

BENEFITS OF
THE LINEAR CITY

• •
CHALLENGES OF
THE LINEAR CITY
Inspiration for modern urban
planning

Focus on Sustainable
Development

Integration of Nature and

Transportation
 SUMMARY
In 19th-century Spanish urban planner Arturo Soria
y Mata envisioned the Linear City as an elongated
urban design with segregated zones for optimized
transportation, green living spaces, and industry.
Soria y Mata's Linear City offered a bold vision for
urban development. While not fully realized, its focus
on sustainability, efficient movement, and a healthy
environment for residents remains relevant today.
The concept continues to inspire urban planners as
we strive to create more livable and sustainable cities
for the future.