Plot transformation and effects on public space in eight verticalized neighborhoods of the Santiago Metropolitan Area, Chile

Abstract

Verticalization reconfigures plot patterns and private space's relationship with public space at the street level. This paper analyzes eight verticalized neighborhoods in the Santiago Metropolitan Area (SMA) to understand what plot patterns emerge from verticalization and how plot transformation processes affect public space. The empirical research was based on the analysis of plot surface and plot geometry transformations, and of spatial planning urban codes. The study develops quantitative measures and qualitative analysis identifying and presenting four plot transformation categories: (1) Homogenous verticalization through regular plot transformation, (2) Incomplete verticalization through diverse plot configuration, (3) Scattered and intense verticalization, with a partial plot reconfiguration, and (4) Scattered verticalization with changes in plot pattern. The evidence suggests that the plot structure's initial configuration contributes to the urban fabric's consistency and adaptability to verticalization and that urban codes are inconsistent with pre-existing urban form. Plot pattern transformations derived from verticalization unleash significant scale changes in the urban fabric that reconfigure the public–private interface, with greater degrees of enclosure between the plot and the street.