Work

Preserving enough? A randomised controlled trial approach to determine relevant urban planning regulations for small touristic towns – A case of Chiloé, Chile

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid tourism growth in small towns of unique cultural heritage often leads to sudden building renovation and infrastructure expansion, which can compromise their attractiveness. The typically under-resourced urban planning departments of the Global South face a complicated task in establishing planning regulations that can preserve a town's identity while accommodating these rapid transformations. This requires a delicate regulatory equilibrium – too restrictive an urban plan could hinder investment and local growth, while a less restricted approach risks destroying a town's heritage, identity, and touristic appeal. This study presents a randomised controlled trial in which residents and tourists rate a town's visual identity using photo simulations of 27 different planning regulation scenarios, drawing from a real-life conservation plan on the island of Chiloé (Chile). We test the effectiveness of this method for identifying which building regulations are relevant for preserving a town's identity. This low-cost and rapidly implemented method may complement the work of urban planners in setting the regulatory framework for conservation.

Source: Habitat International

DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2024.103033

Authors: Pablo Navarrete-Hernandez, Juan Pablo Urrutia, Kaoutar Mellouki

Institutions: University of Chile, University of Sheffield, Politecnico di Milano

Language: English

Topic: Urban Development and Cultural Heritage

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560