The lifespan of a typological form? Los corrales de Málaga, Spain

This paper identifies a distinctive form of multi-household dwelling that has been historically characteristic of the working-class districts of the large cities of Andalucía – namely corrales de vecinos. Most accounts of this typological form attribute its origin to the period of Islamic occupation of southern Spain but, using evidence from the city of Málaga, it is argued here that corrales have a variety of origins. The geographical distribution of this housing form is analysed and the factors accounting for its gradual demise are discussed. The paper concludes with an examination of the city of Málaga’s recent attempt to conserve some of the few remaining structures of this type and the relationship of this policy to neighbourhood regeneration and the fulfilment of a particular type of housing need.