# Ildefons Cerdà

> Urban planner (1815-1876), noted for the extension plan of Barcelona

**Wikidata**: [Q547440](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q547440)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ildefons_Cerdà)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ildefons-cerda

## Summary
Ildefons Cerdà was a Spanish urban planner (1815–1876) renowned for his extension plan of Barcelona, which laid the foundation for the city's modern grid layout and infrastructure.

## Biography
- Born: 1815 (exact date unknown)
- Nationality: Spanish
- Education: Studied at the Escola Industrial de Barcelona
- Known for: Developing the extension plan of Barcelona (1860)
- Employer(s): Government of Barcelona
- Field(s): Urban planning, civil engineering

## Contributions
- **Extension Plan of Barcelona (1860)**: Designed a comprehensive urban development plan that transformed Barcelona's infrastructure, including the creation of the Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà and the Avinguda Meridiana, which became key landmarks in the city's layout.

## FAQs
**What was Ildefons Cerdà's most significant contribution?**
Cerdà's most significant contribution was the extension plan of Barcelona, which established the city's modern grid layout and infrastructure, including major thoroughfares like the Avinguda Meridiana and the Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà.

**Where did Ildefons Cerdà work?**
Cerdà worked for the Government of Barcelona, where he developed his urban planning projects, including the extension plan of the city.

**What is the Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà?**
The Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà is a central square in Barcelona designed by Ildefons Cerdà as part of his extension plan, serving as a key urban landmark and part of the city's modern infrastructure.

## Why They Matter
Ildefons Cerdà's extension plan of Barcelona fundamentally reshaped the city's urban landscape, creating a structured grid that remains in use today. His work laid the groundwork for Barcelona's modern infrastructure, influencing subsequent urban development in Spain and beyond. The Avinguda Meridiana and Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà, among other landmarks, continue to define Barcelona's urban identity, making Cerdà a pivotal figure in urban planning history.

## Notable For
- Designed the extension plan of Barcelona, which established the city's modern grid layout.
- Created the Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà and Avinguda Meridiana, key landmarks in Barcelona's infrastructure.
- Worked for the Government of Barcelona, contributing to the city's urban development.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ildefons Cerdà was born in 1815. He studied at the Escola Industrial de Barcelona, where he developed his skills in civil engineering and urban planning.

### Career and Urban Planning
Cerdà worked for the Government of Barcelona, where he designed the extension plan of the city in 1860. His plan included the creation of the Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà and the Avinguda Meridiana, which became central to Barcelona's infrastructure.

### Legacy
The extension plan of Barcelona, developed by Cerdà, remains a foundational element of the city's urban layout. The Plaça d'Ildefons Cerdà and Avinguda Meridiana continue to be key landmarks, reflecting Cerdà's lasting impact on urban planning. His work influenced subsequent urban development in Spain and beyond, solidifying his legacy in the field.

## References

1. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](https://www.congreso.es/es/historico-diputados?p_p_id=historicodiputados&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_historicodiputados_mvcRenderCommandName=mostrarDetalle&_historicodiputados_nume=18047)
5. [Source](https://www.diba.cat/ca/web/ladiputacio/presidents)
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Union List of Artist Names. 2010
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Name and Title Authority File of Catalonia
14. [Geographicus Rare Antique Maps biographical dictionary of cartographers](https://www.geographicus.com/P/RareMaps/cerda)
15. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)