Browsing by Author "Dewar, David"
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- ItemOpen AccessAn approach to urban restructuring and intensification in Cape Town: the case of Wingfield(2015) Bassa, Faranaaz; Dewar, DavidPatterns of urban growth in South African cities reflect high levels of socio-economic inequalities, which are exacerbated by rapid population growth and urbanization. These conditions are experienced by many of South Africa's major cities, including Cape Town. The focus is on the inequitable and inefficient urban structure of South African cities, as well as the emerging global challenges for urban growth management faced by cities around the world. In response to these issues, the dissertation argues for strategic intensification on a well-located underutilized piece of land, in order to begin to reverse the skewed and non-integrated urban patterns prevalent in Cape Town. Moreover, the dissertation provides a case, which indicates a different way of thinking about urban restructuring, in the context of South African cities and particularly in the case of Cape Town. The Wingfield site is a strategically significant area as it is an inner city and corridor-reinforcing site allowing access to concentrations of existing opportunities. The restructuring and intensification of Wingfield intends to serve as a "pilot project" that could inspire similar local restructuring proposals to address the current structural inefficiencies of the Cape Town Metropolitan Region. The plan, therefore, requires restructuring of the existing urban structure towards a more integrated urban form, which is critical to the creation of positive urban settlements.
- ItemOpen AccessAspects of planning in relation to Claremont shopping centre(1972) Tomalin, Peter N; Dewar, DavidThe activity with which this thesis is concerned is that of retailing; the area of focus being the shopping centre. This environment is one which displays a complex set of spatial and human relationships involving amongst others location, size, rent structure, shopping mix, movement, fashion, socio-economic status, expenditure patterns and consumer behaviour. It can be demonstrated that if certain of these factors are left to respond to what is generally known as the "market mechanism", the resultant environment usually exhibits certain undesirable features such as congestion, pollution and commercial blight. The planner seeks, amongst other aims to create an environment which is optimal and balanced and which provides for human needs such as convenience and safety.
- ItemOpen AccessBridging the divide: an exploration of the intensification of Voortrekker Road Corridor as a means to restructure the City of Cape Town(2016) Duncan-Brown, Emma; Dewar, DavidAfter nearly two decades of democracy, South African cities remain inequitable, exclusionary and spatially inefficient. This dissertation argues that the adaption of the principles of modernism by apartheid spatial planning has resulted in the formation of settlements that are characterised by sprawl, separation and fragmentation. Using Cape Town as a study, it can be demonstrated that the urban form and structure of South African cities has been affected by urbanisation and in-migration furthermore increasing levels of poverty and unemployment have had significant social, environmental and financial consequences. Therefore, in order to challenge conventional development models in the city and to achieve inclusive growth, this dissertation makes a case for urban corridor intensification in Cape Town. By working across a number of site scales, from metropolitan to precinct scale, this dissertation presents a development framework for the Voortrekker Road Corridor. This framework argues for the intensification of the "economic backbone" of the metropolitan to spatially restructure the city's inefficient and inequitable form. This framework proposes that the spatial intensification of the Voortrekker Road Corridor will improve integration and equitable access to economic and social opportunities throughout the city. Therefore, this dissertation establishes a framework to enable choice, opportunity and spatial equity in Cape Town.
- ItemOpen AccessThe Cape Flats Urban Park : guidelines for multifunctional open space planning(2001) Herschell, Emily; Dewar, DavidOver time, the lack of coherent thought concerning the potential roles of urban open spaces has resulted in the necessity of urban management to become vigilant with regard to the collective aspects of city life. Urban open spaces are especially significant in this regard. In giving attention to the scale, continuity, distribution and status of public open space in Cape Town and indeed, in all South African urban centres, developing the role of public spaces in the lives of the urban poor is especially crucial. This study examines the concept of the ability of multifunctional urban open space in playing the role of a socio-economic developmental tool. In this endeavour, two fundamental approaches are used. The first investigates the significance of open space and examines the history of open space and park development. Cases of successful park developments are presented so as to identify central conceptual ideas and certain key success factors. The second uses a local park proposal, the Cape Flats Urban Park, as an instrument with which to explore the concept. This involves integrating the notions of natural process needs and human needs so as to inform use. Accordingly, a natural systems analysis discovers the particular ecological needs of the area through factors of opportunity and constraint and a potential park user analysis discovers the characteristics and needs of human users, in order to discern what role the urban park could play in enabling socio-economic development and improving quality of life. Consequently, resultant guidelines for planning successful multifunctional open spaces are summarised, and further considerations and guiding principles for multifunctional open space planning are presented. These insights are applied and determine broad distributional tendencies, which may assist towards the creation of a successful plan for the Cape Flats Urban Park and other open spaces. The procedure in which these investigations were followed through was primarily through an extensive literature survey, supplemented by personal observation, map surveys and informal interviews. The findings of this study endorse the proposal for a multifunctional Cape Flats Urban Park, as this park could play conservation, resource preservation, flood control, productive, economic, ceremonial, cultural, educational, health improving, recreational and community-building roles. As such, urban open spaces have the potential to become multifaceted resources, with both intangible and tangible benefits for nature and for people, all of which can improve the quality of life for city dwellers, by improving the quality of the environment in which they live.
- ItemOpen AccessDevelopment of the Northern Growth Corridor in Cape Town: towards a more sustainable city(2015) Botha, Mari; Dewar, DavidThe urban form of many South Africa cities is often considered unsustainable as it is based on the modernist and apartheid city models which have led to urban sprawl, fragmentation and the separation of land uses and activities within cities. These trends of development are exacerbated by the current high levels of urbanisation, population growth and in-migration that many metropolitan areas of the country are experiencing. Cape Town is experiencing significantly high levels of growth which is accompanied by increasing levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. This growth is also causing uncontrolled urban development that is encroaching into valuable agricultural land and sensitive environmental areas. This dissertation seeks to demonstrate how urban growth should be accommodated and managed in Cape Town to meet the needs of urban residents and to promote a more sustainable urban environment. There are limited future spatial growth options available in Cape Town as valuable agricultural land, coastlines and topographical constraints limit possible future growth options. The dissertation presents a development framework for the area to the north of Durbanville in Cape Town. The analysis which was undertaken on the site revealed that it is environmentally sensitive and has valuable agricultural land. The plan therefore proposes a system of dense and integrated urban corridors that are enclosed by intensive agricultural activity to minimise the negative effects of development on the site. This form of development gives rise to opportunities to reduce urban sprawl and to bring urban residents closer to economic and social opportunities. Ultimately the plan advocates for a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment that represents the great need for accommodating future growth in Cape Town.
- ItemRestrictedLessons from the Old City of Ahmedabad(2013) Dewar, David; Todeschini, FabioA recent teaching and research collaboration between the School of Architecture, Urban Design, Planning and Geomatics of the University of Cape Town and the Programmes of Architecture, Planning and Urban Design at the Centre for Environment and Planning Technology (CEPT) in Ahmedabad, India, resulted in a comparative evaluation of two local areas in the old city of Ahmedabad and six local areas in Cape Town, in order to identify factors relating to spatial structure and form affecting their performance. 1 The observations reported here relate only to the old city of Ahmedabad which, it is argued, holds important lessons for contemporary urban design.
- ItemOpen AccessThe origins, growth and future of greater Cape Town : an examination of the response in urban form and structure to the influence of movement in urban development with particular reference to the present and future role of the public passenger transp(1979) Brice, Trevor Edmund; Dewar, DavidBibliography: p. 230-231.
- ItemOpen AccessThe Point Re-visited: A Redevelopment Plan for the Point Road Precinct in Durban(2014) Kirby, Chris; Dewar, DavidThis dissertation sought to formulate a comprehensive argument that challenges the current ‘status quo’ of waterfront development projects in South African port cities, by proposing a bold new redevelopment plan for the Point waterfront in Durban. The last two decades have experienced a growing number of South Africa’s port cities undertaking major redevelopment projects, in an attempt to capitalise on the development potential that these site offer. However, these projects target-market seem to be focused on attracting an elite minority. The theoretical framework for establishing the argument was informed by the generic problems with the structure of South Africa cities, as well as the global challenges that threaten all growing cities. Once these challenges had been explored, and the required approach for urban growth management had been identified, a systematic analysis of the site, from a variety of scale was done. The key findings from the analysis, in association with the theoretical stand point, provided a point of departure in which to create the redevelopment plan. The redevelopment plan proposed in dissertation has provided a bold alternative for the site. It advocates for a more inclusive urban environment that represents the greater need for the city, in response to the current urban challenges.
- ItemOpen AccessProposed spatial development framework and precinct framework for George, Western Cape(2015) Narainne, Guillaume Jean-Robert; Dewar, DavidThe South African city is facing overarching issues which include skewed and dysfunctional urban forms, rapid urbanization and population growth resulting in ever increasing poverty, inequality and unemployment. The spatial configuration and socio-economic concerns were triggered by the 'historical development trajectory' during the Apartheid Era alongside with infective urban management policies and practices during the post-Apartheid period. These innumerable patterns of spatial segregation have created important structural ineptitudes which contribute to the aforementioned socio-economic challenges. According to Stats SA (2011), more than 60% of South Africans live in urban regions. Thus, the consequences of urbanisation and a high fertility rate are bringing new challenges to the urban management in South African's settlements. There are two main implications deriving from these identified demographic dynamics. Firstly, the patterns of urban growth which accompany rapid urbanisation. The legacy of the Apartheid Planning Model together with the rising demand for housing and social service infrastructure has resulted in an urban system characterised by low density urban sprawl, a fragmented coarse-grain urban fabric, the separation of various social groups (racial and income) and dysfunctional urban land-uses. Secondly, the social consequences resulted from expanding growing level of poverty, imbalanced development, unemployment and informality levels within human settlements. In response to the fore-mentioned issues, this report argues a Spatial Development Framework and precinct design for the town of George. The SDF and precinct design are believed to create a restructuring process for a balanced approach towards development and economic growth. From a spatial perspective, the SDF aims to achieve this vision through the creation of a sustainable and equitable town.
- ItemOpen AccessThe pursuit of urban justice through transit-orientated development: The potential of the Lansdowne-Wetton Corridor(2016) Van der Merwe, Andri; Dewar, DavidSouth African cities are still facing highly inefficient and inequitable urban forms, established by modernist, and apartheid city models. This has resulted in low density sprawl, fragmented and segregated structures, all contributing to unsustainable and unjust city practices. The City of Cape Town is no exception. Cape Town is a tale of two cities, where the urban and spatial landscapes reflect unequal resource distribution and opportunities. Many of its residents remain trapped in an urban landscape that continues to perpetuate its city structures. More importantly, a rapidly increasing population is contributing to the current urban development patterns that are exacerbating previous social injustices and resource intensive patterns. The city is running out of land, resources, and time to restructure its current form and unsustainable development practices. In the pursuit of urban justice, this dissertation argues that a precondition for changing Cape Town's urban performance, is to limit sprawl, increase densities and restructure towards a more intensive and mixed-use city, that will promote efficient public transportation and decentralise social and economic opportunities. Identifying urban Corridor and transit orientated development is a critical approach to structurally promoting efficient and just city structures; with the focus on the Lansdowne-Wetton Corridor as such, a critical element in the restructuring process. This site can then address the needs of some of the most marginalised communities within Cape Town. The design method and package of plans approach was used to guide this dissertation and implement ideas and proposals in an attempt to demonstrate an example of an alternative to Cape Town's current development patterns, that are continuously perpetuating its inefficient, unjust and unsustainable city structure. The study concluded that past urban planning practices have not changed considerably over the past twenty years and that it is of utmost importance to move towards a new way of thinking and developing. This framework can improve equal access to public transportation, social and economic opportunities and re-introducing place making principles. It is aimed at creating positive performing environments, using performance qualities, sustainability, efficiency, equity, integration, urbanity, choice, safety and a sense of place. By focusing on an integrated public transportation system, the intensification of identified areas, designing walkable areas, the promotion of small scale entrepreneurial activities contributes to increasing the accessibility of economic and social activities for all of Cape Town's residents.
- ItemOpen AccessThe repurposing of the Bellville Marshalling Yard: Achieving an spatially efficient and equitable Metropolitan Cape Town(2014) Majoos, Dylan; Dewar, DavidMetropolitan Cape Town is a city that is characterised by immense scenic beauty which has propelled the city to become one of the top tourist destinations in the world. However, if one explores deeper past the intimate streets of the central city and natural beauty of the Table Mountain, one finds a city that is wrought with a lack of functionality and a generally poor urban experience The city is plagued by the shortcomings of modernist planning and Apartheid spatial segregation which translate in a city which is devoid of appropriate located activity and a separation of land uses and people. Therefore, the majority of the Cape Town built from is devoid of character and activity of which the historic centre enjoys. Through a thorough analysis, I identified key limiting factors within the urban form of Cape Town. These were primarily attributed to the overwhelming tendency for car dominant planning and the presence of limitless sprawl. It was also acknowledge that separate development and modernist planning ideals still permeate through the urban form and significantly limits the urban experience. This dissertation identified key interventions which attempted at bringing back a sense of place to soulless communities. The primarily focus was on the emphasis on activity corridor development and the implementation of high density infill development. This afford opportunities to curb urban sprawl and to bring citizens closer to economic and social services which are significantly lacking in the poorer peripheral areas. Lastly, this document highlight efficient precinct design criteria and the effective and efficient division of land. In conclusion, it was identified that it is paramount to undo the misconceptions of developing a city which is simply drivable and focus more on development that create liveable cities.
- ItemOpen AccessThe role of Integrated spatial planning in restructuring Cape Town : the redevelopment of Wingfield(2014) Larsen, Samuel Bjorn; Dewar, DavidMany South African cities, including Cape Town, have inherited an skewed urban form which is intensified by the current high levels of in-migration and urbanization which cause great socio-economic and spatial structural urban problems. In a response to these urban issues, this dissertation argues for strategic integrated infill developments on well located, vacant land parcels which are believed to serve as the restructuring mechanisms and urban management tools for reversing Cape Town’s inefficient urban form. This dissertation presents a spatial framework for the Wingfield site that will include a dense, integrated infill development proposal which potentially will pave the way for similar future integrated development proposals. Collectively, these infill-pockets of developments will shape the Cape Town Metropolitan Area (CTMA) into a positive and integrated urban environment that is ecologically sustainable, economically durable and socially just.
- ItemOpen AccessSpatial design for the Lansdowne Road Corridor(2013) L'Etang, Julia; Dewar, DavidThe current patterns of urban growth within the city of Cape Town reflect large social inequalities, which is compounded by rapid population growth and urbanisation experienced in the city. The intention of this dissertation is address current socio-spatial inequalities through the management of urban growth, specifically targeted at interventions within the poorest parts of the city through the design of the Lansdowne urban corridor. The theoretical framework for establishing the tools for the management of urban growth are informed by the generic problems with the structure of South African cities, global challenges that face the growth of all cities, and an understanding of what informs the making of spatial plans. An important finding of this is the need for the re-structuring of South African cities to increase integration of historically fragmented areas. The spatial analysis represents the application of the theoretical findings to the context of Cape Town. The analysis is undertaken at a number of scales, to establish the constraints and opportunities present in the area, to inform the spatial design of the corridor area. The intention of the plan is to establish where the investment of direct public funds should occur to generate movement of people within the area, which small scale enterprises can respond to, thus strengthening the conditions for self-sustaining livelihood strategies to occur. An essential part of this requires the restructuring of the existing spatial structure to create a more integrated urban form, which is resolved at the precinct scale.
- ItemOpen AccessUniversitas : a study of spatial development of Western universities, exploring their emergence as distinctive space, building and planning types(2004) Elliott, Julian Arnold; Dewar, DavidThe thesis traces the development of universities, identifies their characteristics in terms of space, building and planning structures and explores the social background which gave rise to these features. The core chapters explore the emergence of university spatial development, first in the medieval colleges of Oxford and Cambridge, then in the renaissance and neoclassical European universities. These are followed by the exploration of the campus plans in the United States and finally, the postwar universities.
- ItemOpen AccessUrban restructuring in Cape Town: Redeveloping the Culemborg Rail Yards(2013) Kritzinger, Michaela; Dewar, DavidThis thesis articulates a vision for how redevelopment in Cape Town's city centre - taking place in the under-utilized Culemborg rail yard and Foreshore precincts - can initiate and contribute to much needed urban restructuring in the city. In recent years, the redevelopment of these areas has been a favourite topic for urban planners and architects in Cape Town. Countless schemes have been proposed, yet none have gained traction. This project's approach differs from that of other plans for the area in that it considers the problem of the disused rail yards and disorganized city centre holistically, within its metropolitan context. It formulates a metropolitan strategy for improving urban performance in Cape Town, and then places the project site within the context of that strategy. In doing so, it makes a broader case for the role of planning in inspiring and guiding urban change that make our cities more equitable, sustainable and better prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly volatile and uncertain future. This is the ultimate objective of this project: not simply to improve the city's physical design, but to use scarce public resources and land more efficiently, creating opportunity-rich places to live for more people, and spurring economic development in the City. The schematic planning framework proposed in this document shows how, by taking bold action, we can provide the opportunity for over 100,000 Cape Townians to live to in the midst of tremendous economic opportunity. In doing so, huge economic benefits will be reaped, and can be used to crossÂsubsidized social rental housing, investment in job training and other public institutions and high quality public spaces to be enjoyed by all. This is not a pipe-dream. It will take conviction and vision, to be sure, but it is attainable, and could pave the way for new energy to be injected into a city so desperately in need of transformation.
- ItemOpen AccessWhat approach to development in the Cape Winelands : an identification and exploration into urban form - planning for future growth and change in the Cape Winelands region(2016) De Wet, Barend Frederik Lutz; Dewar, DavidThe urban form of many South African cities is often considered inequitable, fragmented, and unsustainable. Modernist planning ideology and Apartheid social policies left cities with a highly inefficient urban form and structure that reflects fragmentation, separation and a high degree of lateral urban sprawl. These ideologies have led to the development of mono-functional settlements which are often environmentally sterile. This dissertation aims to find a new approach to development in the Cape Winelands region. It investigates the role of urban form, and proposes a new model for the integration of wilderness, rural and urban space. The study is motivated by the research question: what approach to development in the Cape Winelands? The focus is on the inequitable and inefficient urban structure and form, as well as urban growth management strategies for the emerging global challenges. High levels of growth which is accompanied by increasing levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality enable the critical action for a new approach toward planning. These challenges is also causing uncontrolled urban development that is encroaching into valuable agricultural land and sensitive environmental areas. Moreover the struggle for densification in the core of Stellenbosch - heritage constraints is contributing to the uneven distribution of densities that lead to an unsustainable urban form and use of space. The dissertation seeks to direct public and private capital investment, and to channel growth, but equally protecting wilderness and valuable arable land.