Globalization and urban growth: metamorphosis of the Metropolitan Area of Concepcion, Chile, 1992-2002 (Abstract)

The new forms of growth are studied in the Metropolitan Area in Concepcion (AMC, for abbreviation in Spanish of Area Metropolitana. de Concepcion), 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 36 degrees 35' south latitude, and the 72 degrees 45' west length; and 37 degrees 00' south latitude, and 73 degrees 15' 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 2(nd) 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.