Housing typologies, neighborhood perceptions, and neighborhood social ties. an examination of the Michaihue neighborhood, Metropolitan Area of Concepción, Chile

Abstract

Using a case study conducted in the Michaihue neighborhood, the result of progressive large-scale and high-rise social housing, the possible impact that architectural typology can have on the declared perception of neighborhood preference and predilection is analyzed, understanding these elements as a positive basis to generate neighborhood social ties. Methodologically, the responses to the dwellings and households’ CENSUS were analyzed and compared, alongside a review of personal networks applied to neighbors who own both housing typologies. The findings show that, given the same urban context and individual attributes, the housing typology marks a difference when expressing a preference for living in their neighborhood and whether or not they would choose to stay in it. However, the evidence does not allow stating whether this would affect the dynamics of neighborhood social ties production. Finally, a "progressive" architectural typology is presented, that allows the owner to participate in its modification-extension, providing better conditions for a positive perception of the neighborhood, which in itself does not necessarily alter the dynamics behind the creation and outline of neighborhood social networks.