Why does Spain's public housing avoid high-rise towers?

Spain builds low-rise public housing: should it go for towers?

While in other countries social housing buildings reach 20 or 30 storeys, in Spain the norm is four-storey blocks. It is not just about aesthetics: some see in this reluctance a missed opportunity to free up land and make cities more compact, while others defend the current model on technical and social grounds.

Supporters of high density argue that a 20-storey building, surrounded by wide pavements and green spaces, can house as many families as five four-storey blocks, freeing up space for parks and services. They also reduce car dependency: by concentrating population, public transport connections become viable. "It would be the most ecological option," they argue.

Opponents point to the practical problems. Building tall requires separating buildings by at least 100 metres to avoid the "Blade Runner" effect and guarantee light and ventilation. At 30 storeys, several underground parking levels are needed, water supply capacity must be tripled and complex fire safety systems must be designed. "It is not that simple, nor that advantageous, nor that cheap," they conclude.

Add to this the social view: tall buildings are "dehumanising", they turn the resident into a number. Low density allows people to socialise in the garden or at the barbecue, and avoids the smells and noise of public transport. Many would rather drive 70 km in their car with their music on than endure a packed metro.

The debate also touches on culture: some see the "antiestéticar of skyscrapers" as an imposition of "proge" ideology imported from the US, which demonises high density. Be that as it may, Spanish public housing remains anchored at four storeys, and consensus on whether that is a success or a mistake is still far off.