A master plan for Santiago's first human-scale neighborhood

Unification through public space invitations

With distinct natural conditions, urban typologies, and infrastructure framing the site, the client wanted to break from traditional urban development. Gehl initiated the project with a Health Check, mapping physical infrastructure and movement flows. This revealed two contrasting neighborhoods bordering the site: residential gated communities with little public life and a denser mixed-use area with vibrant public life qualities. This juxtaposition presented an opportunity for Huechuraba to become more inviting and equitable.

Using these insights, the Gehl team structured the Master Plan in two parts. First, they designed a Public Space Strategic Framework, analyzing existing site conditions to inform potential public spaces and street hierarchies. Second, they conducted Typologies Studies to identify building typologies that would support a diverse, inclusive, and equitable public life.

Gehl delivered the Master Plan in September 2019, collaborating with stakeholders to guide the design process. Together with the client, Gehl selected architectural offices to start the building design for the first human-scale neighborhood at the site, marking the beginning of a more inclusive future for Huechuraba.