Increasing green areas in a low socioeconomic neighborhood using the concept of Biophilic City (Case study: Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, Chile)

Abstract

Chilean cities have low percentage of green areas, especially in the lower socioeconomic neighborhoods that produce an alienation of the residents with the nature. I aimed to determine activities to increase the green areas in Villa Cautín 2, Chile. In order to reach this goal, I analyzed and compared Villa Cautín 2 and Sunnyside (Portland, United States) using the indicators mentioned in the Biophilic Cities. As a result, the study showed that the Chilean’ neighborhood presents lower amount of vegetation in public and private areas than Sunnyside, caused by the disinterest of the citizens and lack of municipal involvement. Furthermore, the available space calculated in the neighborhood is insufficient to achieve a similar amount as in Portland’s neighborhood. This is caused by the residents’ constructions patterns, where they build horizontally and no vertically. However, near 2.384m2 of green areas can be planted in the public spaces to create networks in the neighborhood using native trees, shrubs and plants; and, in this way, increase the overall amount of vegetation.