Urban growth and socioespatial segregation in valdivia

Abstract

This article analyzes and interprets recent urban growth and socio-spatial segregation trends in the city of Valdivia (Chile), relating them, at the same time, to the progress of the real estate market. Despite being a medium-sized city, with moderate growth and good quality of life indicators, it would seem to be reproducing similar logics as other larger cities. For this reason, a methodology that combines statistical data with in-depth interviews with key players is applied and a restriction matrix that summarizes existing segregation spatially and by components is made. As a result, this study is able to identify the sectors with the highest and lowest real estate growth, considering both their forms and typologies; as well as the perception about existing segregation phenomena in Valdivia. In this way, alongside an analysis that places emphasis on smaller, less dynamic cities, a methodological contribution would be generated that could be applied to other case studies.