Masters Degrees (Town and Regional Planning)

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Achieving diversity through collaborative planning in mixed used precincts : a case study of Florida Road, Durban.
(2015) Cele, Desiree Noshipo.; Naidoo, Bashan.
Entertainment precincts are typically packed with a mix of retail, art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants and even places of worship. The mix of people and land uses creates a diverse and dynamic area which has economic and social benefits. However, for an entertainment precinct like Florida Road in Durban there seems to be difficulty in communicating some of the resulting social issues. The unclear role of stakeholder input renders communication inefficient in the precinct. This study therefore sought to understand the social impact of mixed use development using Florida road as the case study. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed using a sample of 66 respondents to capture firstly; the everyday life perspectives of the residents and the visitors/users of Florida Road, secondly; to examine and clarify the extent of the social impact resulting from the changes in patterns of land use and finally, to understand the processes followed to redevelop Florida Road. A land use survey of the Florida Road corridor which when compared with the land use pattern in 2007 revealed some changes in the land use pattern and the introduction of high intensity land use activity such as nightclubs in close proximity with residential land uses. The results from the surveys and interviews with property owners, business management, precinct manager and municipal officials showed that while precinct management has made commendable physical progress since its inception in 2012 there are underlying challenges. This paper argues for the need for intimate collaboration and examines available knowledge which could assist in guiding and analyze stakeholders, bureaucratic fragmentation and citizen participation in South African spatial planning. The case study appraises consistent collaborative planning in the decision-making processes in order to enable communities and local government to communicate effectively without squandering opportunities to diversify.
The adaptive reuse of lost and wasted spaces within the eThekwini Municipality : a case study of the Durban Esplanade and The Point .
(2012) Gungaparsad, Kelvin.; Greenstone, Clive Alan.
This research study addresses the issues associated with lost and wasted urban spaces. Lost and wasted spaces refer to areas which have no human activity or proper human interaction. They are the leftover unstructured landscape at the base of buildings. They also include abandoned buildings, waterfronts, train yards, vacated military sites, and industrial complexes. The research outlines the causes of lost and wasted urban spaces which occur within the eThekwini Municipality and urbanised spaces in general. Through the use of case studies and precedent studies, the research study investigates the various techniques, technological advances and approaches that could alleviate wasted spaces in the city. The Durban Esplanade and Point Waterfront development constitute the main case study areas; however, to fully understand how and why lost and wasted spaces occur within the urban environment, various other spaces which make up the cityscape were also investigated. For example, the city transport infrastructure and green spaces do not form part of the case studies, but have been included as part of the research into lost and wasted spaces. The research study seeks to take the issue of lost and wasted urban spaces a step further by combining it with issues related to sustainability. Through the use of the case studies, various possible solutions and alternatives to the alleviation of lost and wasted urban spaces are outlined and investigated. Examples of how lost and wasted urban spaces could be transformed from problem areas to spaces of opportunity are also explored. This was achieved by making use of computer-aided design and graphic illustrations to indicate the possible solutions that could form part of a holistic approach to the issues surrounding lost and wasted spaces in the built environment. The current planning legislation is outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the interconnection between environmental and sustainability issues which relate directly to the cause of lost and wasted spaces. Furthermore, the research study highlights the involvement of various built environment disciplines, including planners, architects and urban designers and investigates their role in the alleviation of lost and wasted urban space.
Addressing the spatial inequality of economic infrastructure through spatial planning: a case of the proposed Edendale town centre in Msunduzi municipality.
(2018) Mkhize, Ntuthuko Brian.; Magidimisha, Hangwelani Hope.
The apartheid planning in South Africa, legislated bias and racialized urban development through the common and notorious ‘apartheid city model’. Central to the apartheid’s spatial planning was unequal distribution of infrastructure, amenities and accessibility and most importantly was the long distance between residential and workplaces within low income residential areas. Therefore, it is still difficult for residents in the former townships to access socio-economic opportunities within their settlements as the necessary infrastructure for that has long remained insufficient. The resultant fragmented spatial form has resulted in widespread spatial inequality while making it difficult for government to integrate those areas spatially. Currently, South African spatial planning is still faced with a huge obligation to integrate the previously fragmented townships through encouraging the development of economic infrastructure to where most people live. This could play a role in integrating the previously disadvantaged areas while also improving the socio-economic status of those areas. The government of South Africa had introduced the National Development Plan (NDP) as the driving tool to address the spatial legacy in the former townships through its Urban Network Strategy (UNS). Henceforth, this study employed a mixed-method approach (both qualitative and quantitative) of data collection to investigate how spatial planning can foster and influence the development of economic infrastructure in the former townships to address the abovementioned spatial inequalities. Based on the findings of this research; it was proven that there is much expected from the Edendale Town Centre initiative in addressing spatial inequality in the study area. As rarely been the case before, the findings reveal that the initiative is likely to stimulate local economic development through the development of the informal traders’ market and the SMME Incubators. The findings also reveal that economic infrastructure planned within the proposed Town Centre such as the proposed mixed-use developments; will effectively address the socio-economic challenges facing Edendale Township and other surrounding areas while also integrating it to the Pietermaritzburg city centre and other better developed neighborhoods within Msunduzi Municipality. The Integrated Rapid Transport Network (IRPTN) which is also planned closer to the proposed Town Centre is more probable to improve public transport in the area. Hence, this will in turn reduce the spatial inequality of economic infrastructure in the area. However, the researcher concludes and recommends that to witness the era with reduced spatial inequality, there must be a link between infrastructure provision and spatial planning.
Adverse conditions in the Merebank area and possible urban design interventions.
(2008) Govender, Maveshnee.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
While, many communities around South Africa have been affected by apartheid planning, some were left worse off than others. Apartheid planning followed a distinct socio-political and economic programme, as well as a particular development approach. Such an approach placed little emphasis on man and the environment (Iyer, 1995). One of the primary principles of the apartheid policy was to racially segregate population groups. In most cases, it created built environments or living spaces that were unsupportive of resident communities. Iyer (1995) suggests that the South African city is not only a result of apartheid policy, but also a product of a modernist development mentality, and reflects the importation of associated planning models and ideals. Modernist planning is premised on technocratic and utilitarian ideals. According to Iyer (1995: 19), such models, which are “based on efficiency, the motor vehicle, engineering and maintenance standards, spatial segregation of land uses, rigid zoning, and so on, have produced environments that lack human quality, expression and identity” (Iyer 1995: 19). The built environment is expected to “provide its users with an essentially democratic setting, enriching their opportunities by maximising the degree of choice available to them” (Bentley & Alcock, 1985: 9). In other words, the built environment needs to be a living space that is responsive to the community it serves. A responsive environment is an environment that allows people to enrich their lives. It creates positive and livable living spaces. Urban design is an approach to design that seeks to establish responsive environments. Urban design interventions may be used to improve the many adverse conditions created by apartheid policy and the modernist way of thinking. The study area in this research, Merebank, is situated approximately 15 kilometres south of the city of Durban and is one of the oldest Indian residential areas in KwaZulu-Natal.See Map 1. Merebank is one of the suburbs particularly affected by the laws of apartheid and modernist planning. It is a highly controversial area having many urban design faults. The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the study area, examining the planning and design problems that negatively affect the area, and to explore possible design interventions that can be used to counteract or improve these conditions.
An analysis of a degenerating urban area and recommendations for its renewal : a case study of South Beach, Durban.
(2003) Naidoo, Santhurie.; Kahn, Michael.
The degeneration and decay of urban areas is a result of a combination of factors that lead to the downward spiraling of the performance of the economy concerned, the quality of life of citizens residing in the area, a lack of investor confidence, and environmental degradation and vice versa. The purpose of this study was to determine if South Beach, Durban, is blighted, what the causes of blight in the area are, how the existing blight can be eliminated and if it requires an urban renewal intervention. Through various methods, such as mapping, observation studies, questionnaire surveys, and interviews, it was determined that certain areas of South Beach are in a state of economic, physical and social decline. The decay of the case study area is occurring in pockets, with a greater concentration on Point Road. The decay of the region is due to a culmination of contributive elements that are slowly leading towards a blighted neighbourhood. Forms of blight that have been noted in the case study area are physical, functional, frictional and economic. This is partially because land-uses are incompatible, there are several vacant sites and empty buildings, the area lacks green spaces, and there are also several irregular-shaped sites. Other factors contributing to the blight of the area are the land-uses of South Beach, which are not in keeping with what was the original intent, i.e. what the area was zoned for. This has also given rise to blight in the case study area. South Beach's deterioration and urban decay is due to many factors, including poor maintenance and the mismanagement of buildings, poor co-ordination between key role-players and stakeholders, a lack of urban management, unsafe areas, and a lack of the private sectors' contribution. In order to reduce the spread of the various forms of blight evident in the area, the South Beach case study area requires an urban renewal intervention. Urban renewal of the area is required to attract investment; to create an environment that is aesthetically simiiar to, and works in conjunction with the new uShaka Island and Marine Theme Park, attractions at North Beach, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World; and to position itself as an active role-player within the Golden Triangle of Suncoast, uShaka Island and the International Convention Centre. Recommended methods of renewal are aimed at sustainability and the rehabilitation, conservation, and revitalisation of the area. There is a need to collaborate strongly with the private sector in order to renew South Beach. The collaboration will increase the confidence levels of both domestic, as well as foreign investors. Other recommendations for the sustainable urban renewal of South Beach include the proper urban management of the case study area, management of the buildings, incentives provision to the respective stakeholders, and ongoing public participation processes. By-laws also need to be passed to ensure that the area is properly renewed and that it will be sustainable over the long-term. South Beach does require an urban renewal intervention in certain areas that will address the physical, social and economic spheres of the case study area. In order for the area to be renewed in a sustainable, transparent and equitable manner, all stakeholders must be equally represented and their views taken into account in the planning, implementation and monitoring phases of the renewal of South Beach.
An analysis of international trends in city centre restructuring and office decentralisation in Durban.
(2001) Rushby, Joanne.; Todes, Alison Elaine.
This dissertation investigates the links between economic and spatial trends, with particular emphasis on office decentralisation in Durban. It focuses on globalisation and its effect on economic processes, how these have impacted on the spatial structure of cities, and whether the current changes in the economy and nature of work as opposed to environmental factors such as crime and grime, are causes of decentralising activity. This study looks at three case studies internationally, that of Glasgow, Rotterdam and Johannesburg, which give perspective on, not only the problems associated with the decline in manufacturing, but also how these cities have realigned themselves spatially into the new global economy. In the case of Johannesburg, the difficulties inherited from the apartheid era and the nature of urbanisation in the post-apartheid era are investigated, which have resulted in a fundamental restructuring of the Central Business District. Finally, the case of Durban, with particular emphasis on the area of La Lucia ridge to the north of the city is the focus area for research into office decentralisation, and the links between environmental and economic factors. The current restructuring of the CBD and its problems are highlighted, and the reasons for decentralising activity are explored in the light of the changing nature of work and the economy.
An analysis of the causes and issues surrounding backyard shack development and the implications for policy : the case of Umlazi.
(1996) Braude, Sarah A. W.
Over the past decade the construction of shacks on fonnally developed residential sites within the predominantly african residential townships of South Africa have been increasing in number. These infonnal structures have become commonly known as backyard shacks and have been constructed, mainly by the urban poor, in response, inter-alia, to the restrictions and difficulties placed upon them by the policies of the past government, in respect to access to land and housing. Research on this housing option is limited and has unfortunately either concentrated on quantifying the extent of the development or has been overshadowed by investigation and debate on other methods of infonnal housing. Therefore this dissertation sets about, by reason of research in Umlazi (one of the largest, predominantly african townships within South Africa), to contextualise, identify and place firmly on the agenda, the issues and needs of the backyard shack residents. In support thereof, a review of the spatial development of backyard shacks over the past decade in Umlazi, is also provided. From this study it has then been possible to fonnulate recommendations for housing policy and town planning so as to address these issues and needs. With specific reference, as this dissertation recognises the extent of the housing crisis and the role that backyard shacks play in providing shelter for the urban poor within the urban centres of the country and hence the likely pennanency of this housing option; recommendations, including the densification of the urban centres as a means of providing land for housing, the fonnalisation of the backyard shack as a secondary dwelling unit, the re-defming of subsidies in relation thereto and the delivery of services, are put forward.
An analysis of the role of town planning in contributing towards the sustainable practice of urban agriculture: a case study of Msasa Park, Harare.
(2018) Nhimura, Jeremy Godfrey Tendai.; Chipungu, Lovemore.
The Urban Agriculture (UA) sector plays a key role in the lives of millions of Zimbabweans. In Zimbabwe, urban farmers practice urban agriculture (UA) to reduce poverty, create employment, and for food security. It is evident that Zimbabweans benefit a lot from practising UA. Regardless of all the benefits of practising UA, the local municipalities still do not fully recognize UA as a land use and also regard it as an illegal activity. The current planning system used in Zimbabwe with regards to UA is called the Traditional Planning System (TPS), which was introduced by the British colonizers during the colonial era. The TPS system prohibits any form of UA in cities and argues that all urban land must be used for urban land uses which include residential development, infrastructure development and commercial uses. Currently, the city of Harare is temporarily allowing urban farmers to practice UA to address food shortages, high unemployment rate and other economic hardships facing the nation. However, most of the urban farmers in Harare are practising this phenomenon on wetlands, roadsides and other environmentally sensitive areas which are not sustainable. This research examines the role of town planning in addressing the unsustainable practice of the UA sector in Msasa Park and the surrounding areas. Since the main focus of the research is on sustainability, the research made use of theories which include sustainable development and urban ecology. To obtain the relevant data, the research made use of the mixed methods approach which comprises quantitative and qualitative research methods. The research findings showed that the UA sector in Msasa Park and the surrounding areas is not practised in a sustainable manner since it is faced by many problems which include lack of recognition from the town planners, shortage of land, poorly implemented policies, and unorganized institutions. The study recommended that town planners recognize the UA sector in Msasa Park, zone land for the sector and introduce institutions that look after the interests of urban farmers in Msasa Park and surrounding areas.
An analysis of the socio-economic impact of inner city urban regeneration as a strategy against urban decline : the case of Durban Point Precinct Development.
(2016) Mnikathi, Zinhle Pamela.; Myeni, Wonderboy Vincent.
Most of the inner cities and big towns have in one way or the other experienced urban decline. So many reasons can be attributed to urban decline, including but not limited to, property abandonment, crime, high unemployment and the rundown of inner city services, leading to the failure to attract new investment. The study was aimed at analysing the socio-economic implications of urban regeneration as an approach to curb inner city decline. The study focused on exploring the extent of the inner city urban regeneration strategy’s impact on primarily socio-economic issues in creating a sustainable inner city urban environment. This was by exploring the applicable inner city principles, the institutional involvement, socio-economic sustainability and the challenges and outcomes experienced with the urban regeneration Durban Point Precinct project, in proving whether it was an ideal strategy or not. The study utilised qualitative research methods, primarily face-to-face interviews, direct observation and questionnaires. The study was conducted in the Durban Point Precinct Development area, south of the Durban Central Business District, along the Durban beachfront to the harbour entrance. The development falls within the eThekwini Municipality Central Municipal planning region, under the strategic priority area within the eThekwini Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The study area is historically known to be neglected in terms of development, particularly because of the run-down areas within the study area. This study focused on investment as a catalyst for redevelopment in order to improve the Point area and reverse the much-noted decline and bad reputation of this area. With the current development of the Durban Point Precinct, a sample of six properties, inclusive of business operations and residents, was drawn out of the 54 properties selected for redevelopment within the area. As part and parcel of the sample size, five residents were drawn from the 45 units occupied. The theoretical framework for the study was based on: The Neoliberalism Theory, the Competitive City Theory, the Communicative and Collaborative Planning Theory and the Modernisation Theory. Arising from this, the findings of the study indicated that the Durban Point Precinct regeneration development project proved to be driven more towards the future economic success for a more mixed-use and waterfront destination, with minimal social success. It was further revealed how the regeneration project, although incomplete, provided sustainable measures through the satisfaction of the current residents and business operations, and with the objective of a world-class waterfront development. One of the study’s recommendations stated that in order to avoid public objections to the development, the local people had to be given the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process and be involved in the urban planning process. Regeneration of the area could also only succeed by finding the necessary partnerships. The study concluded that the inner city urban regeneration strategy was the ideal approach in dealing with declined areas as it placed much focus on economic and social life. It further concluded that in retracting the loss of the inner city, urban regeneration acts as a suitable tool in addressing redevelopment and rebranding of the inner city.
The application and effectiveness of remote sensing and geographical information systems for mapping and monitoring land use and land cover changes for development planning in UMnini Trust Traditional Council, eThekwini Municipality.
(2018) Ngwabe, Mpumelelo Mthembeni.; Mchunu, Koyi Humphrey.; Njoya, Ngetar Silas.
In the second half of the 21st century, developing countries experienced rapid population growth, which tended to settle in peri-urban areas of the cities because of limited spaces in the urban core areas and high urban land values. This movement into the outskirts of the cities has promoted peri-urban densification or urban sprawl/growth where the population become desperate for land and resides in close proximity to railway and road corridors, and environmentally sensitive areas etc. This rapid periurban densification decreased the availability of agricultural potential land and created a huge demand for social services delivery from municipalities. Therefore, municipalities need current and accurate information about trends of growth and development in a specific geographic area to determine the amount of social services need to be provided, which is significant for their development plans. Moreover, for accurate and up-to-date information and trends of growth analysis, South African municipalities rely on the techniques and tools such as aerial photographs and sample surveys, which are often inadequate to provide real time and accurate information on a regular basis, as these techniques collect this kind of information on a yearly basis while the population grows on a daily basis in developing worlds. The aim of this study was to assess the application and effectiveness of remote sensing (RS) and geographical information systems (GIS) for mapping and monitoring land use and land cover changes (LULCC) trends for development planning in uMnini Trust traditional council between 2001 and 2016. This time period has been chosen to align the study with the 15 years after eThekwini Metropolitan municipality was created in 2000, it was important to monitor and map the extent of growth in peri-urban areas of the metropolitan, which are the result of urban sprawl where people are situated in close proximity to urban core areas in search for economic opportunities. This study was guided by objectives, which are as follows; to determine the current LULCC planning and assessment processes used by municipality in uMnini Trust traditional council, to critically analyse the extent to which remote sensing and GIS have been used for sustainable land use planning and management; to identify different land use and land cover types found in uMnini Trust traditional council between 2001 and 2016, and analyse/categorise the changes that has occurred during the study period, in order to be able to analyse the rate and magnitude at which the peri-urban densification has been occurring in the study area which has a direct influence over the required infrastructure and social services. Lastly, to analyse challenges and constraints of using remote sensing and GIS for mapping and monitoring land use and land cover changes in uMnini Trust traditional council. This study adopted mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research methods. This combination of methods was employed in this study in order to provide a better understanding of research problems than either approach. Cognitive fit theory, sustainable development theory, and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model were the theoretical bases for this study. Rapid peri-urban densification has contributed to land use changes, and also often led to rapid consumption of green or environmentally sensitive areas. Unregulated growth and development in urban areas has also resulted in the saturation of urban core areas, which increasing demand for land for development at the outskirts of the urban areas. Cognitive fit theory states that the use of geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and GIS, when the user possess relevant skills and expertise this yield good results that could help to come up with possible solution to assist in decision making process. Sustainable development theory advocates that there should be a development to satisfy the needs for the present generation, however, it must balance triple bottom line which include the social, economic, and environmental protection in ensuring that the needs of the future generations will be met. The unified theory of acceptance and technology model emerged because there was a need for the establishment of advanced technological innovations and application that have positive impacts on human and work life. This encouraged the organizations and governments to adopt the use of information technology in solving complex spatial related problems such as incompatible land uses. The results of this study revealed that there has been a gradual decline of agricultural potential areas in uMnini Trust traditional council within the study period. Rapid peri-urban densification has contributed and continues to contribute to rapid LULCC in the study area. It has been noted that this growth has implications on the provision of infrastructure and service delivery, as these people are increasing on a weekly or monthly basis which make it difficult for the municiplaity to have real time and accurate information about rate, trend, and magnitude of LULCC for their development plans. Integration of remote sensing and GIS in this study has demonstrated that this approach could be effective in providing LULCC in short period of time, which has been the shortcoming of the traditional planning tools.
The application of new urbanism towards sustainable urban development : a case study of Umhlanga Ridge, Durban.
(2009) Ofosu-Kwakye, Yvonne.; Awuor-Hayangah, Rosemary.
Currently, the global agenda of sustainability and sustainable development have become the yardstick to which human activities are measured. The concept of sustainability is known to contain directives, when implemented will ensure that resources are used in ways that can benefit current and future generations. The ways in which spatial planning and urban development occur have also become relevant in this respect. Within this premise, urban form has also become relevant to the urban sustainability. Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre is a private development modeled on the concept of New Urbanism. The concept of New Urbanism is known to contain elements which respond positively to current urban challenges such as urban sprawl, increased pollution from automobile dependency and socio-economic polarization. In essence, New Urbanism purports to contribute towards urban sustainability. The main objective of this research has been to ascertain the extent to which the current developments in Umhlanga Ridge satisfy the principles of New Urbanism and urban sustainability. This included the identification of appropriate indicators of a sustainable urban form. Emphasis was made on how the indicators of urban form had manifested in the development of Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre and the impacts they have had on identified urban challenges in the Ethekwini Municipality. The rationale was that sustainable urban development must be able to address local urban challenges and promote sustainable practices within the private and the public domain. The methodology for this research included the use of secondary and primary sources. Interviews were conducted with Tongaat Hulett Development in their capacity as a land owner and planners of the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre. The Ethekwini Municipality was also interviewed with respect to what impacts this development had had on their overall long-term development strategy. Three renowned planners who had adequate knowledge of urban development trends in the Ethekwini Municipality were also interviewed. A questionnaire survey was undertaken with users of the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre to gain their perceptions on urban form in relation to their needs. The research revealed that the application of New Urbanism in the development of Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre was partly an investment initiative for profit-maximisation as well as a response to sustainable practices in urban development. Being part of a major investment node in the Ethekwini region, it had contributed towards job creation and enhanced the economic base of the region. However, it was found to have partially fulfilled the principles of New Urbanism used in the assessment. It was concluded that the application of New Urbanism in urban development was not adequate to achieve urban sustainability but provided lessons which can be learnt such the use of high densities to enhance compaction and the creation of a living environment which supported non-motorised forms of transport. Private sector participation and buy-in into the long-term vision of regions had also become necessary to enhance the adoption of sustainable practices into the future.
An application of pedestrianisation and traffic calming measures to an area of change : a case study of Florida Road in Durban.
(2002) Qionghui, Yuan.; Kahn, Michael.
This dissertation is to determine the most appropriate type of Pedestrianisation and Traffic Calming measures to address vehicle and pedestrian related conflicts in an urban area, using Florida Road in Durban as a case study. Based on the conceptual framework in the field, participant observation, questionnaires and interviews were used as research methods to investigate this situation and to obtain a holistic understanding of the area. After analysing and evaluating the physical and social factors according to the criteria presented, the findings indicate that there is a necessity to meet the needs of pedestrians in the Florida Road area. As such, different recommendations are made in an attempt to create a pedestrian-friendly environment and a healthy community through a detailed Pedestrianisation Scheme and Traffic Calming measures.
The application of pedestrianisation and traffic calming to curb vehicle and pedestrian conflict in the Newcastle CBD : a case study of Scott Street.
(2000) Biyela, Thandiwe.; Klug, Neil.
In response to urban society's disenchantment with the automobile and the conflict that has resulted between vehicles and pedestrians, came the development of pedestrian oriented streets. This constitutes a clear shift in priorities to redress the imbalance in the street in favour of pedestrians with respect to motor vehicles, in a process known as pedestrianisation. Much more common, however, was to traffic calm those streets in which motor vehicle access was still needed. This study examines the application of pedestrianisation and traffic calming to the Central Business District (CBD) as a potential solution for mitigating conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. To do this the study evaluates the effectiveness of the Pietermaritzburg (PMB) pedestrianisation and traffic calming plan, by looking at how the area caters/does not cater for the needs of its users (pedestrians and motorists) and tenants. The evaluation also includes obtaining comments from the planners, tenants and prospective users in Newcastle in order to determine whether the objectives achieved in PMB could be made useful in the proposed pedestrianisation and traffic calming plan of the Newcastle CBD. Findings and conclusions from various data collection methods are presented followed by recommendations that are important for the successful implementation of any pedestrianisation and traffic calming scheme.
The application of planning support technology to urban coastal research and management : a case study of the south Durban basin.
(2011) Dayaram, Tanya.; Von Riesen, Annette Janine.
Sustainability has become synonymous with development. The concept of integrated coastal management (ICM) was derived from sustainability theory. The planning profession has an impact on the development of coastal zones through land use plans. This study aimed to demonstrate through case studies, the pros and cons of applying technological methods for the purpose of creating better quality plans. Literature, precedent studies and a local example of dualities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has provided evidence toward the practicality of monitoring and controlling urban coastal land uses via support technology. Conclusions have been drawn based on critically analysing the data and were presented through maps, tables and graphs throughout the paper. Changing trends and patterns in the natural world, namely the impacts of climate change, have affected the urban environment. Therefore recommendations were made for further research into technological support systems available for the planning profession.
An application of universal design as a practical approach to disability policy in South Africa : towards planning that meets the needs of all residents : case of Umlazi-Durban.
(2003) Ndaba, Sihle Godfrey kaLoyiloyi.; Kahn, Michael.
No abstract available.
An appraisal of the 1991/92 City Engineers land-use proposals for the revitalisation of the Point Area.
(1993) Borthwick, John Baillie.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
Appropriate intervention to revitalise the Durban Central Business District hard core : a physical design perspective.
(2003) Solarsh, Andile Daniel.; Kahn, Michael.
The deterioration of the Central Business Distict (CBD) cities worldwide is a problem which has been extensively documented. As upmarket shops and offices have located to more attractive shopping centres and office parks in decentralised locations, the economic turnover of central city areas has decreased. This has resulted in impaired maintenance and a subsequent deterioration of the visual quality of these areas. Various approaches towards improving the public infrastructure, pedestrian environment, visual appeal and economic value of Central Business Districts (CBD's) have been taken in different countries. They include full pedestrianisation of CBD streets, traffic calming measures, general physical improvements to the public realm such as new street furniture and street surfacing, new public transportation systems and new municipal by-laws, to regulate the behaviour of CBD users. The CBD's of cities in South Africa have suffered a similar fate to a greater or lesser extent. Of particular significance in the South African context, is the increasing presence of informal traders along street sidewalks in the CBD. The CBD is also used by an increasing number of pedestrians. In the case of Durban, a combination of uncontrolled street trading and increased pedestrian movement has lead to a situation of congestion on many CBD street sidewalks. In addition, ill-disciplined taxi and bus drivers have contributed to traffic congestion. This is detrimental for registered street traders, formal retailers, pedestrians, motorists and future investors in the CBD. The aim of this dissertation is to examine and evaluate the West Street Pilot Project in Durban, as a means of revitalising a section of its CBD, and solving the above mentioned problems. The West Street Pilot Project (WSPP) has attempted to ease pedestrian flow by widening the sidewalks and creating nibs or "nodes" for the purpose of street trading. Certain of these nodes have been formed at pedestrian crossings, shortening the crossing distance. It has attempted to improve the aesthetic appeal of the street, by introducing new planting and street furniture and making this part of the CBD hard core more "user-friendly".
An appropriate land use management system for residential areas in Inanda.
(1998) Chetty, Anneline.; Kahn, Michael.
South Africa and Kwazulu are essentially becoming a society attempting to reinvent itself. Attempts are underway to create the inner workings of this diverse, multi-cultural and multiracial society. The mechanism depends on strategic planning, the crafting of new legislation and regulatory processes and new methods of participatory and representative governments. Societies create and enforce land use controls or landuse guidelines to achieve several objectives. According to Schwenke(1997), while fundamental concepts of land ownership, tenure and basic property are rights enshrined in the law, the practical aspects of how one makes use of the land and all human activities that take place on the land are beyond the scope of rigid declarations. Deciding on responsible and just land use is a planning function and must reflect complexity, interactions between land users, land owners, the land itself and the environment. Planning must take due cognizance of the aspirations, needs and capacities of the people on the land (Schwenke; 1997).At the end of this process there must be a set of land use controls or guidelines to enable final decisions to be omplemented. Previous studies have largely ignored the perceptions of people on the grpund who are forced to live daily with the harsh, restrictive decisions of higher authorities without being consulted.This dissertation hopes to eliminate this particular problem by conducting research with community groups. The intention ofthis dissertation is to set in place policy guidelines for an appropriate land use management system that is appropriate for residential areas, in previously disadvantaged Townships using Inanda as an example.
Appropriate management and development framework for transitional rural settlements : a comparative study within Ngcolosi Tribal Authority.
(1998) Bhengu, Thamsanqa Thulani.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
No abstract available.
Assessing local job creation and employment sustainability within greenfields housing projects : case studies of Wiggins Umkhumbane and Westrich (Durban)
(2005) Myeni, Wonderboy Vincent.; Adebayo, Pauline Wambui.
Most low cost housing beneficiaries either work in the informal sector with little income to meet all their basic needs, or do not work at all. They live in poverty because many of them are unskilled, unemployed, poorly represented economically, politically and socially. Hence the new South African Housing Policy is said to be enabling the housing environment to play a more meaningful role in job creation and employment sustainability. This is said to be achieved through skills transfer and giving support to small businesses which are geared towards more labour intensive opportunities. Job creation, in the context of this study, means training ,and the use of housing beneficiaries in housing construction. The provision of skills enhances beneficiaries to engage in self-employment programmes. Sustainability, on the other hand, looks at the use of dwelling units for small business purposes, the proximity of housing projects in relation to areas of employment, and the transfer of skills from place to place when required. After conducting a survey of 98 beneficiaries, the study revealed a lack of an effective mechanism for job creation and employment sustainability within greenfields housing projects. In order to provide both guidelines and recommendations for the effective implementation of housing projects, this dissertation assesses the extent to which greenfields housing projects have been able to create and sustain employment opportunities for housing beneficiaries. Case studies used to assess this aspect are Wiggins uMkhumbane in Cato Manor and Westrich in Newlands West. This study outlines failures and successes in the manner in which the above mentioned housing projects were implemented in relation to the creation and sustainability of income generating activities. This dissertation is structured as follows: The first chapter introduces the research problem, research question hypothesis, and the research method used to conduct the study. The second chapter provides both the conceptual framework and the literature review for the topic being investigated. International, national and local case studies are used to support the flow of the argument. Chapter three introduces the geographical and historical background of case studies in which the study was conducted. This historical background is linked to the topic of study to help to understand the phenomenon of employment. Chapter four deals with the presentation and analysis of data collected. The conclusion drawn from the findings and recommendations are found in chapter five.

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