Santiago Urban Evolution and Rural-Urban Dynamics
Historical Stages of Santiago's Development
- First Stage (1541): Foundation of Santiago.
- Mid-Nineteenth Century: First urban reform by Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna.
- Third Stage (1930s): Construction of the civic district.
- Fourth Stage (1939): Pedro Aguirre Cerda's government created the corporation to promote production.
- Fifth Stage (Late 1950s): Urban planning expansion by experts from the Ministry of Public Works.
Rural-to-Urban Migration and Social Impact
A large mass of the population shifted from rural areas to settle on the outskirts of Santiago, giving rise to extensive slums devoid of public services and characterized by poor material conditions. These slums, excluded from public services as a result of an urban segregation policy, suffered from deplorable housing, health, and safety conditions.
Factors of Urban Population Growth
Growth is driven by the natural growth of inhabitants and, especially, the migration of the rural population to urban centers. This migration is explained by the poor conditions of rural life and the fact that the city serves as a center of attraction for rural residents.
Concentration of Services in Cities
Governments allocated large investments to the development of urban life, while rural life was often left in neglect.
Defining Rural Areas and Interdependence
Rural areas: These are zones with low population density where primary activities (raw materials extraction) are developed; however, basic services are scarce.
Rural-Urban Relationship: Both maintain a relationship of interdependence where raw materials from rural areas serve as inputs for industrial development in the city, while rural areas require the technology provided by the city.
Key Urban Concepts
Conurbation
Processes of interaction between two urban areas due to the expansion of the city.
Suburban Area
Located outside the city but close to it, these areas are used for the location of housing where economic conditions are favorable.
Peri-urban Zone
These zones are far from the city. They include all phenomena of soil occupation around the consolidated city, such as the construction of homes and land for industries around spaces that retain vestiges of rural life (e.g., Casa Juanjo).
Consequences of City Expansion
Benefits of Expansion
Expansion can provide workplaces closer to home and an improved quality of life.
Negative Consequences
- Increased pollution.
- Decrease in primary activities.
- Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas over rural land.