Middle class, closed housing spaces and socio-environmental implications from a case in the city of Bucaramanga (Colombia)

Abstract

The uneven and hierarchical growth of Latin American cities has led to the consolidation of social, economic and ecological inequalities. This study analyzes the construction of closed spaces for upper-middle class sectors, which have been intertwined with discourses of green living. At the same time, this type of urban construction, made possible by institutional flexibilities or omissions, presents certain environmental questions because it broadens what is considered urban and deepens the distinctions with respect to other urban forms. Specifically, this paper is based on a case in the city of Bucaramanga (Colombia), where a closed residential space for upper-middle class presents the conditions to analyze what has been proposed. Accordingly, questions are raised about discourses and practices between green living, socio-environmental sustainability and socio-urban stratification. Likewise, individual -and social class- approaches to access and type of housing according to social class are problematized.