Abstract

Latin America’s suburbanization began in the last decade of the twentieth century, and it continues up to the present day. Borrowing from the U.S. auto-centric model of suburbs on the urban periphery, and its ‘cultural narrative,’ emphasizing privacy, exclusivity, and safety, giant mega-suburbs are being built on the periphery of most of the major cities, from Mexico to South America. Their architectural forms and densities are distinct from their North American counterparts, owing to the dominance of vertical, high-rise construction, as well as extensive security (walls, video cameras, guards). The two main forms of suburban development are: vertical, gated enclaves, and mega-projects that combine residential luxury complexes with shopping malls, offices, and light manufacturing. These projects often displace or locate around squatter communities. They face serious environmental and urban planning challenges.