DE ENCUENTROS Y DESENCUENTROS.

Nowadays, some modern Chilean housing complexes exhibit an evident state of deterioration. Therefore, their effective characteristics for solving housing problems have been questioned due to excessive rationality and limited capacity for urban integration. However, while the housing market has established a model based on standardization and individuality, an evaluation is necessary of the real characteristics of the main modern constructions. Is it possible that the architectural characteristics of public spaces have driven community development? This article presents the specific case of the "Siete Hermanas" housing complex in Viña del Mar and its process of community development. As will be seen, without a doubt the formal and functional qualities of common spaces prompted the neighborhood's evolution, which in turn created a neighborhood connected to the location. Through a retrospective analysis, carried out with the memories of the original inhabitants, this paper reviews the current state of the complex and its singularities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]