NATURAL TERRITORIAL DYNAMICS AS A LINK OF IMAGE AND URBAN SPACE. COYHAIQUE AND COCHRANE XI REGIÓN DE AYSÉN

Abstract

The Aysén Region is undergoing major territorial changes. Tourism-driven economies become development drivers, showing the country and the rest of the world how its capital can be based on natural landscape resources. With 50% of its surface area declared protected, a specific focus is placed on selected urban centers. Coyhaique and Cochrane are two examples. Both are located within protected natural areas and currently face large demographic pressures, both permanent and transient. This article addresses issues dealing with the extent to which Aysén's geographical context predetermines the location of its urban area; the consistency of these areas with the setting and how a city should be when it is located in such a meaningful natural and environmental territory, where nature and its territorial values are considered the basis for future development.