People's affective bonds with place and the built environment in the deprived Santiago de Chile

Abstract

This article investigates people's affective bonds with places and explores the role of the built environment in their reproduction. It reports the findings of qualitative research carried out in the “heart” of a neighbourhood of Santiago (Chile) that shares many features with the deprived places of the city but seems to be thriving: a highly commercial street. The findings showed that people's attachment was a complex repertoire of affective bonds fixed to distinctive moments of the trajectory of the place. Moreover, the findings indicated that the built environment had a significant role in the reproduction of people's affective bonds. Pride and affection emerged when the built environment reflected collaboration, contributed positively to the place's reputation, and allowed interactions. Nostalgia, grief, shame, and fear were all tied to the conditions of the public space, which are seen as “symptoms” of social change. Whereas joy, and especially concern, arose in relation to absences and showed that the built environment can be seen as an obstacle to activities that are considered important to continue progressing. The findings show that people are highly satisfied, have opportunities to engage in social interactions, and see in the environment a history that makes them proud.