ABSTRACT
This article looks at the residential sprawl process in Spain, defining its particular characteristics in comparison to those in other countries. The rapid growth of housing construction on new land during the 1990s and the social diversification involved are two of the key themes analysed. One of the central issues of this article is why residential sprawl has come to be considered as one of the biggest land-use planning problems in Spain today. To this end, we will look at the environmental impacts and social sustainability of the model and the difficulties involved in its day-to-day management. Finally, we reflect on the impasse reached regarding low-density development in Spain now that the moderate growth of today offers the chance to assess the negative effects brought about by its impact in the past and to design strategies to mitigate its impact in the future.
