Great projects and their social effects. Tendencies to social substitution in urban spaces revalued

Abstract

Today many Latin American cities are experiencing a transformation process, fragmented urban spaces according to the social composition of its population, redefining centrality and periphery areas. In many cases, these changes are being made on the basis of great public works affecting slums and informal settlements. Process involving a public-private partnership: the State and its urban intervention programs and the market through its financial institutions that encourage investment in areas of increasing urban renewal.

This article takes up the case of the transformations in Posadas city (Argentina), from the works of complementary infrastructure Yacyretá dam. The Dam hydroelectric had provide coastal defenses along the Paraná River, rehabilitating large urban areas and urban links recomposing the city. The set of coastal structures is leading to the emergence of real estate speculation and private investment, as well as new forms of displacement without direct state action.

In the context of these events this research raises a number of questions. Does the new coast margin and vacant land are under dispute between different social sectors?,  On what areas of the city is falling property speculation?, The additional works have generated an unprecedented urban renewal?, Are a new pattern emerging of socio-spatial segregation? If so, this pattern has connotations of gentrification? These and other issues are analyzed from a descriptive and  exploratory perspective.