Self-help settlements as insights to urban conflicts: the case of Toma de Peñalolén in Santiago, Chile

Abstract

This article explores the meaning of ‘urban conflict’ from the perspective of a self-help settlement. It is understood that conflicts, like settlements, are multi-dimensional and multi-scale. Rather than perpetuating a notion of settlements as ‘conflict’ that certain places in the world suffer from (the global South), we chose to understand them as an expression of diversity, contributing to imagining and building an alternative part of the city (Robinson, 2006). Three dimensions will be emphasised: governance (Swyngedouw, 2011), sense of place (Harvey 2001), and planning (Roy, 2005; Friedmann, 2005). Some of the conclusions suggest reconsidering the planning that denies the existence of conflicts and tries to ‘solve’ the problem of settlements by any means. Settlements also impact on the way in which agreement to govern the city is shared, prioritized and obtained. Finally, places affect the nature of the conflict and its solution. As a case study, we will consider the Toma de Peñalolén (Occupation of Peñalolén), located in the western sector of Santiago, Chile. The results shown come from a recent research based on 35 interviews, a survey and secondary sources.