Middle-class housing as social spatial formation. Alcantarilla (Murcia) at the first half of 20th Century

Abstract

Geographically, Alcantarilla is a little town seven Kilometers away from Murcia city, the capital of the Region. During the second half of the XIXth century many geographic, economical and structural issues made possible a great development of Alcantarilla. Thus, the once small village saw its biggest growth ever. Indeed, Main Street and Alcantarilla centre were completely transformed into a new space. These changes, beginning in the XVIth century, were obvious when an important burgeors class settle down along Main Street attracted by its strong industry and excellent communications. It was these prosperous families that ordered the projects for their dwellings to the main architects who worked in Murcia at that time. Among them, there was Joaquín Dicenta, who conceived an original eclectic architecture in Alcantarilla. So, he was able to develop a personal style starting from modernist concepts and adding elements from the regional tradition of Murcia. Later on, due to his success, he continued his trend in some of his works in Murcia.