Hillside neighbourhoods, mieres (Asturias): Between the village and marginal self-construction

Abstract

This article analyzes the recent evolution, the current situation and the needs of the elevated districts in the city of Mieres (Asturias). There, historically the lower class occupied the elevated areas with the worst access and adverse environmental conditions. They have not been studied despite their interest in size, internal diversity, history and morphology. The effect that mining and industrial reconversion has on them is also important, since Mieres is a shrinking city. The article makes a comprehensive geographical approach, based on field work, urban and property documents, bibliography and demographic statistics. The diagnosis obtained indicates different evolutions within the study area, from gentrification to deterioration, with a mul-tiplication of the abandoned buildings. In conclusion, a regenerative action adapted to local conditions and the internal diversity of this type of urban organisms is needed, in order to achieve equity and sustainability.