Overview
The essay examines self-built homes in Santiago, characterizing them as structures that are both precarious and subject to perpetual change. These dwellings are analyzed through a framework that posits them as simultaneously existing entities and processes of continuous formation, a state described as 'being and becoming.'
Research Context
The study focuses on the phenomenon of self-built housing within Santiago. These homes are inherently precarious and in a constant state of modification. The core concept underpinning the analysis is that these homes exist in a dual state: they are concrete structures ('being') while also undergoing continuous evolution and alteration ('becoming'). This perspective highlights the inherent dynamism and impermanence of these specific residential forms.
Approach
The approach involves an observational and interpretive analysis of self-built homes in Santiago. The author frames the existence of these homes using the philosophical concepts of 'being' and 'becoming.' This framing serves to articulate the dual nature of these structures: their current, tangible state and their ongoing, developmental state. The essay does not specify empirical data collection methods but presents an interpretive understanding of the subject matter.
Findings
The self-built homes in Santiago are defined by two primary characteristics: their precariousness and their constant state of transformation. These dwellings are not static but are perpetually in flux. The central finding is that these homes embody a simultaneous existence as 'being'—referring to their present, tangible form—and 'becoming'—referring to their ongoing, continuous process of change and development. This dual characteristic indicates that the houses are never fully complete or stable but are always in a state of formation.
Why This Matters
Understanding the 'being and becoming' nature of Santiago's self-built homes offers insight into the lived realities of residents in such precarious and evolving environments. This perspective moves beyond viewing these structures as mere physical objects, instead highlighting their dynamic relationship with their inhabitants and the passage of time.