Understanding Density in an Uneven City, Santiago de Chile: Implications for Social and Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability

Xabier Gainza¹  Felipe Livert Aquino² 

[1] Department of Applied Economics I, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU),Avda. Lehendakari Aguirre 83, Bilbao 48015, Spain;Planning Directorate, Ministry of Public Works, Morande 59, Santiago de Chile 8340652, Chile;

关键词: density;    urban sustainability;    socio-spatial segregation;    travel;    social services;    green areas;    Santiago de Chile;   

DOI  :  10.3390/su6095876

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Efforts to promote infill development and to raise densities are growingin many cities around the world as a way to encourage urbansustainability. However, in cities polarized along socio-economic lines,the benefits of densification are not so evident. The aim of this paperis to discuss some of the contradictions of densification in Santiagode Chile, a city characterized by socio-spatial disparities. To thatend, we first use regression analysis to explain differences in densityrates within the city. The regression analysis shows that dwellingdensity depends on the distance from the city center, socioeconomicconditions, and the availability of urban attributes in the area. Afterunderstanding the density profile, we discuss the implications fortravel and the distribution of social infrastructures and theenvironmental services provided by green areas. While, at themetropolitan scale, densification may favor a more sustainable travelpattern, it should be achieved by balancing density rates and addressingspatial differences in the provision of social services andenvironmental amenities. We believe a metropolitan approach is essentialto correct these spatial imbalances and to promote a more sustainableand socially cohesive growth pattern.

【 授权许可】

Unknown