What it means to live in spatially diverse neighbourhoods: Understanding the socio-spatial ruptures and fortresses in Temuco

Abstract

This study interrogates and evaluates how current transformations in Temuco's neighbourhoods promote social and spatial diversity-in terms of the mix of land uses, housing types, urban activities, and socioeconomic characteristics of residents. Based on neighbourhood classification criteria by the National Institute of Statistics of Chile (INE), two neighbourhoods (Villa Llaima and Banco Estado1-Carabineros) in Temuco were selected for detailed study. Both spatial and Social Variables data were collected using land use maps and structured individual interviews with 100 households in the two communities. By measuring spatial and social diversity in the neighbourhoods based on Shannon's Diversity Index, the study showed that the transformations of Villa Llaima and Banco Estado1-Carabineros between 1990 and 2018 represent social and spatial dimensions of diverse urban spaces. However, However, the diversities generated have not been work out to improve connectedness and social cohesion in the two neighbourhoods. The lack of development control at the neighbourhood level, the lack of appropriate codes to address the land use mix, and the lack of neighbourhood review of projects were identified as factors contributing to the poor state of neighbourhood cohesion. Policy recommendations are offered for improving and leveraging existing diversity for place-making.