Globalization and urban growth: metamorphosis of the Metropolitan Area of Concepción, Chile, 1992-2002

Abstract

The new forms of growth are studied in the Metropolitan Area in Concepción (AMC, for its abbreviation in Spanish of Area Metropolitana de Concepción), during 1992-2002, arisen as manifestations of restructuring and change in the logic of urban growth that affect to this scale and intermediate size city, as well as many others, due to globalization. The AMC is located among the 36º35' south latitude, and the 72º45' west length; and 37º00' south latitude, and 73º15' west length. It has a population of 1.010.950 inhabitants, and an area of 2.831,3 Km2, and a density of 357 Inhab./Km2. The AMC is the 2nd urban concentration of Chile after Santiago (AMS). It has an assorted economic activities based on the industry (forestry, mining, fishing ground and manufacturing, among others) and also it is an important center of services. This work intends to contribute with a prospective and exploratory approach, where many of its analysis and conclusions have an experimental and preliminary character, as an approximation to recent and complex phenomena.