Configuration processes of waterfronts: The coastal area of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Abstract

Urban, social, economic, cultural, and physical-natural processes converge in the configuration of coastal urban fronts, the complexity of which derives from their condition as quadruple (air-water-continent-city) interface. These processes are studied through a geo-historical approach to determine which are the visions, interests, and conflicts that interact in the coastal urban front. The case study is Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. Urban plans, programmes, and projects with an impact on the waterfront were analysed in their historical-social context. From this analysis, it is concluded that among the relevant factors are urban growth and metropolisation, changes in the intervention strategies, and the sectoral distribution of skills, which lead to spatial fragmentation and use conflicts whose management requires the implementation of intersectoral and inter-jurisdictional strategies.