Re-imagining a child-centric spatial environment that promotes quality of life for children in Altantis (Witsand)

Mthethwa, Lungelo

Re-imagining a child-centric spatial environment that promotes quality of life for children in Altantis (Witsand)

Thesis / Dissertation

2025

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Abstract

This study investigates how Urban Design can promote quality of life for the development of children in Atlantis (Witsand). Altantis is located 45 kilometers north of Cape Town, Which is a long distance from the economic city centre. Atlantis was created in the early 1970s as a “model industrial node” within the framework of apartheid spatial development policies. These policies were designed to physically separate and divide South Africans along racial lines of Cape Town. Acknowledging the significance of integrating children's development/ upbringing in urban design research can bridge the disconnect between the urban fabric and educational facilities to promote child-centric urban development. Employing a qualitative research approach, including social mapping, text mapping, desktop context analysis, site observations through a periscope, and interviews of subjects except, ECD operators, Caregivers, and program coordinators from CoCT. The study aims to employ urban design theories and tools to redress spatial challenges or negative effects apartheid-era urban planning in Atlantis to create a child-centric spatial environment, promote the safety of children, and promote consistent learning and the quality of life of children. The spatial characteristics will be investigated to develop urban design intervention that will assist in addressing challenges in Atlantis particularly in the neighborhood of Witsand. When dealing with disadvantaged neighborhoods like Witsand, it will be vital to observe urban design theories such as tactical urbanism to ensure interventions are realistic and impactfulon communities