Santiago, never-endiding oil spot? What happens to population when the city gorws indiscriminately?

Abstract

The incorporation of big extensions of land previously dedicated to agriculture, characterizes the rapid growth experienced nowadays by the city of Santiago. This paper opens a debate about the implications of two different modes of city growth in the lifestyle of its citizens. The type of growth known as Í€œsprawlÍ€, with clearly separated functional areas, is represented by the city of Los Angeles, California. Its opposite correspond to the European model of city, more concentred, with a dense center an a mixture of uses. The limitations showed by the traditional city planning systems, the advantages that explain the success of the American model and the impacts of the sprawl are discussed here. The interrogation about the real possibilities to oppose the seemingly clear tendency to sprawl remains opened.