Urban and Regional Planning

Permanent URI for this community

http://hdl.handle.net/11660/112

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 33

Open Access
Beplanning vir die gehoor by die Uitvoerende Kunste in Suid-Afrika, met spesiale verwysing na Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 1978-10) Geyser, Susara Dorethea; Van Zyl, F. D. W.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Die ontwikkeling van medium digtheidsbehuising met ontleding van voorbeelde in Welkom
(University of the Free State, 1980-11) Swart, Francois Jacobus; Van Zyl, F. D. W.; Botha, W. J. van H.
Abstract not available
Open Access
The architecture of the Orange Free State Republic 1854-1902 : a comparative study of the cultural conflicts and building achievements of a Model Republic
(University of the Free State, 1987) Roodt, Leon; van Zyl, D. W.; Marais, A. H.
Considerations of the circumstances prevailing within the Orange Free State during the latter half of the nineteenth century have been so largely dominated by events of political or military significance that the extensive body of building executed during that period has been accorded only sporadic attention by historians.¹ To more fully comprehend the nature of the architectural legacy the Department of Architecture of the University of the OF S fielded a team of 150 students to make a comprehensive field-survey in 1977. By its extent and coverage it covered a terrain which would have lain beyond the resources of any one person. In addition to these studies the author presents in more detail a number of case histories with which he was personally involved. The principal aims of the work can be summarised as follows: To analyse the complex nature of the underlying cultural and environmental determinants at work in shaping the architectural image of a 𝘥𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘰 State in a remote hinterland, and in particular to demonstrate how the ascendency of Victorian influence occurred concurrently with the decline of the Cape Dutch phenomenon; secondly to show that a neoclassical impetus stemming from Holland, Belgium and Germany played a vital role in important civic buildings toward the end of the Republican era, and finally to emphasize that while clearly discernable rural vernacular developments led to interesting and unique indigenous tectonic expressions, they could never fully escape the pervasive and modifying influence of external cultural impacts. Arising from these general aims and from the analysis of the available material it was possible to formulate the principal hypothesis namely that the architectural matrix of the Orange Free State was unique, in as much as the complex nature of the cultural determinants and environmental factors yielded, in the incredibly short space of 50 years, tectonic expressions which, by mid-century, departed transitionally from African precepts, gradually assimilating the pervasive influences of Europe and finally guardedly accepting the dictates of Neo-Gothicism and neoclassicism even as it subtly modified them eclectically into buildings expressive of the concept of a Model Republic. To structure the analysis it was decided to isolate five salient periods, defining them as: Disputed advent, Modest beginnings, Eventful growth, Brief flowering and Untimely extinction. In each of these periods five entrepreneurial functions are identified namely, Private homebuilding, Commerce and industry, Buildings for the Community, Local Authority and Central Government.² The five periods are delineated in five chapters. These chapters are preceded by an Introduction which provides the setting for the subsequent events. A final section collates the conclusions arrived at and examines the validity of the hypothesis.
Open Access
'n Studie oor die ontwikkeling van Jacobsdal en die Rietrivier-besproeiingskema met verwysing na die invloed van die Oranje-Rietkanaal
(University of the Free State, 1987-11) Heckroodt, Christo; Steyn, J. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
'n Teoretiese stadsbeplanningsondersoek na middestedlike agteruitgang met voorstelle vir herstrukturering in Suid-Afrika
(University of the Free State, 2000-11) Van Wyk, Rudolph Petrus Gerhardus; Steyn, J. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
The 'Janus Face' of planning in South Africa: the case of the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2002) Maine, Teboho; Botha, W. J. van H.
This thesis documents and analyses the image of planning as perceived by the users or beneficiaries of the planning service and by planners in practice (both public and private sectors) in the Free State and suggest some principles to be considered to fill the gap that exist between what planners do, based on what the users of planning services expect from planning fraternity.· It analyses the image of planning along historical lines, with respect to the development of planning. The research illustrate the importance of the perception of people with regard to the way they would like to see development is happening, in order their quality of life can be improved using planning as a tool for governance approach that demonstrate that beneficiaries of planning services' view is important, showing that people can make a contribution and a difference and building up a sense of identity and community. Citizens and communities are beginning to realise the benefits of exerting influence over development in their environment. Similarly, administrative officials are also beginning to develop confidence in the ability of ordinary users of planning services to construct well-considered, practical and sustainable development programmes and projects. Communities are gaining valuable experience on the pragmatics of sustainable community-based ward planning. This has exposed them to the challenges of local governance and the need to create a cooperative governance framework where officials, elected councillors and citizens take responsibility collectively for development at the local level. It is believed that this research will be of significant assistance to the policy makers in that it will inform, illuminate and provide a basis for sound policy decisions in planning practice, especially in the search for new direction during this era. In order for planning to be responsive to the challenges of the post-apartheid planning era, its image will have to be closely revisited so as to assess its relevance to Free State Province changing situations.
Open Access
The influence of market forces in urban planning: a South African perspective
(University of the Free State, 2002-02) Jonker, A. J.; Botha, W. J. van H.; Jonker, W.; Boulle, Arthur J.; Jonker, Herman
English: The main objective of this study is to illustrate the importance of market forces on the urban form and how these forces should be incorporated into the overall jigsaw puzzle of spatial and urban planning to produce a result that is equitable and fair to the people who are affected thereby. This has been undertaken with specific reference to South Africa. Since the 1980s it became clear that dramatic population increases would take place in the world's urban areas in general, and in particular in the mega-cities of developing countries. Various authors have predicted that economic growth would be accompanied by an acceleration in the rate of urbanisation; a considerable increase would occur in the number of metropolitan conglomerates with over 4 million people each; and mega-city formation would be more massive and rapid in the developing countries than in the developed ones, thus continuing to increase the population glut in many Third World cities.(Botha 1990, Cernea 1993, Potter & Lloyd-Evans 1998, International Monetary Fund 1999a) These forecasts became reality in the late 1990s and have become one of the major challenges for city administrators and planners in the third millennium.
Open Access
Beplanning by stedelike agteruitgang en stedelike hernuwing: Batho as moontlike presidentsprojek
(University of the Free State, 2002-10) Van der Merwe, Daniel Paul; De Ridder, E.
Abstract not availalbe
Open Access
An investigation on the global impact of communication through technological development on urban growth / shrinking: a town planning perspective
(University of the Free State, 2002-11) Van Reenen, Dewald; Botha, W.J. Van H.
Abstract not included
Open Access
Planning for future graveyards in urban areas: a case study of Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2004) Tshabalala, Rapelang; Badenhorst, Hein
This research is premised on the fact that no sector of the society is immune from death. According to Kubler-Rose (1975: x), death is not an enemy to be conquered or a prison to be escaped. It is an integral part of our lives that gives meaning to human existence. It sets a limit on our time in this life, urging us on to do something productive with that time as long as it is ours to use. Death is in us and outside us, beside us in every room, in every street, in every field, in every car, in every plane, etc. It is what we are (Shneidman. 1984:118). Death is a principal vital event and is the disappearance of all evidence of life at any time after a live birth has taken place (Stats SA, 2002:24). In my own view, death is inevitable since it has to happen. That is, it is the final stage of growth for every human being. As a result, there is a need to plan for future burial space in Bloemfontein taking into consideration the increasing population sizes due to urbanisation, mortality rates due to HIV/AIDS, existing burial methods and existing cemetery capacity. According to Mitchell, (23 November 2000:8), the graveyards, hospitals and mortuaries are overflowing with corpses most of which are AIDS victims. Both cremation and multiple burials will have to be highly considered in the future. The question is hqw to share the available land between the dead and the living population? Contrary to needs of dead people, the above options look more reasonable and conducive.
Open Access
Lessons from the strategic management of integrated development planning in Kwazulu-Natal from 1994 to 2006
(University of the Free State, 2007-11-30) Theron, Jan Hendrik; Steyn, J. J.; Fox, N. P.
The main aim of the study is to assess the success in performance of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Government’s strategic management of integrated development planning as was expected by the Constitution and subsequent developmental policies, legislation, programmes and projects from 1994 to 2006. The literature review indicated that strategic management consists of three phases, namely planning, implementation and control, each phase with its own sub-steps. These elements formed the basis for the development of a Strategic Management Model represented by the following “Key”: KEY TO STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT MODEL Phase Step Activity and Evaluation Criteria 1 Initiate and agree on strategic management process 2 Clarify organisational mandates 3 Identify strategic issues facing the organisation 4 Formulate vision and goals 5 Undertake SWOT analysis: determine internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and threats Planning 6 Formulate and adopt strategies to address strategic issues 7 Planning of plan Implementation implementation 8 Phased implementation 9 Monitoring 10 Evaluation Control 11 Review The Model is then applied to evaluate the strategic management of two KZN Provincial wide programmes, namely the KZN Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) from 1994 to 2000, and KZN municipal integrated development planning from 2000 to 2006, both of which aim to substantiate the following four hypotheses: (1) The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s execution of the strategic management of integrated development planning in KZN to advance development in KZN was successful; (2) The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government undertook successfully an initiative to improve alignment and capacitating of Provincial Departments and Local Government for them to be able to undertake integrated development planning in a sustainable manner; (3) The Strategic Management Model for the management of integrated development planning set out in the study is a handy tool could be presented in a narrative format and/or in a matrix or table format, depending on the particular situation or management preferences; and (4) The application of the Strategic Management Model in KZN confirms issues and trends highlighted in the literature review of the strategic management of integrated development planning. The advancement of international theoretical thought on strategic management is also addressed. Several lessons learnt from the strategic management of integrated development planning in KZN are discussed. The study concluded by making several recommendations to improve KZN’s performance in the field of the strategic management of integrated development planning.
Open Access
Future, change and choices
(Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Free State, 2010) Nel, Verna
Abstract not available
Open Access
Land-use management system as a tool towards achieving low-carbon cities in South Africa
(Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Free State, 2011) Nel, Verna
English: The scientific community has to a large extent accepted that climate change is no longer a vague threat but a growing reality attributed to the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions. As urban areas are responsible for a substantial component, these emissions, reducing carbon emissions from cities, can make a significant difference in reducing global emissions. This article examines the nature and extent of greenhouse gas emissions in South Africa, and explores the contribution that spatial planning, land development and regulatory aspects of the land-use management system can make towards achieving lower carbon cities.
Open Access
A sustainable spatial planning and resources use management system in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa: toward an African solution
(University of the Free State, 2013-01) Williams, A. D.; Nel, Verna
The Eastern Cape of South Africa has throughout the colonial and apartheid period been a geographic zone of contestation and resistance. The struggle for freedom in this country emanated from this region with perhaps the most famous of its sons being Nelson Mandela. The Xhosa people have a rich tradition and culture, whose existence has for centuries been nurtured in the rural regions of the Eastern Cape. With the advent of modernisation and more specifically urbanisation, two distinct systems of land use management and land delivery have evolved. One based on the prescripts of modernism and the other on the prescripts of traditional Xhosa culture. The two are very distinct and opposite. The South African Constitution, (1996) mandates especially those officials in government to pursue policy and courses of action that will promote unity, respect and embrace diversity and transform South African society into one that fosters equality and social justice. This too is a Constitution that is not only built on rights and freedoms, but is also one built on human integrity and dignity. It embraces the concept of ‘Ubuntu’: ‘I am because you are’. This ethos has an important role to play in the transformation agenda of which spatial planning as an activity of governance is a fundamental part. The modern counterpart, largely inherited from the Eurocentric north has enjoyed a measure of dominance and at this current point in time looks set to overshadow the rural Afrocentric domain which is the home of Xhosa culture and its people. This intersection of the two different systems and the inherent values that support each is creating a new space for contestation, or is it? This zone of contestation could also be regarded as a zone of eclecticism in which it is possible to construct a new approach to land use management by embracing not only culture, but also complexity theory and the current status of the evolution of planning theory, which focusses on the concept of collaboration. Such collaboration embraces the concepts of facilitation, negotiation, conflict management and learning. The complexity however deepens in that the Eastern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Plan (2010) has identified climate change and the sustainable agenda as being critical issues demanding attention going forward. Since the communal rural areas cover almost half of this Province it becomes absolutely critical that any new system must add value to the aims and objects of the sustainable agenda. It is also under this banner that the provision (quality and quantity) of certain natural services e.g. water and air become focal issues. Without these, existence ceases. The rural zone is the source of much of these. Here to success will depend on nurturing an ability to learn. In the light of the above the rural areas take on significant importance and hence new meaning. Not only are these rural zones inhabited by a specific culture, they are also zones upon which the urban zone depends. This interdependency must grow and as this happens there is an ever increasing need to integrate. Within the context of the above it becomes critical to engage in the collaborative and learning agendas in order to realise a land use and resource management system that respects diversity and its role in the sustainable paradigm. Spatial planning needs to embrace the dominant ethos of the rural zone and hence refrain from using a position of imposition i.e. creating conflict. It needs to embrace its own transformation and develop a more sensitive regulatory system that is born out of Africa, using African realities and a vision that has been developed by Africans for Africans. The rural zone must on an equal footing inform the urban. ‘I am because you are’.
Open Access
Public open space planning and development in previously neglected townships
(University of the Free State, 2013-02-01) Mashalaba, Yandisa Bavulele; Nel, Verna
English: The focus of this research was on the use of urban open spaces in the revitalisation of Galeshewe Township. It is an in-depth analysis of community perceptions, the provision of open space, land use planning and development of urban open spaces in the township. The study does not compare the Galeshewe Township to any other township that has successfully rolled out an urban renewal programme using public open spaces. The hypothesis of this research was that “by understanding the contextual meaning of the urban open space concept in Galeshewe Township; the perceptions of the Galeshewe community and the most important factors that affect the functionality of urban open spaces in Galeshewe, town and regional planners could improve the outcomes of the revitalisation of previously neglected townships”. The results proved that there is enough reason to believe that the current approach to urban open space planning in Galeshewe is out of context, i.e., it does not respond to the community’s values and needs. The results also showed something that is contrary to existing literature about the benefits of urban open spaces in urban areas, i.e., the value of urban open spaces. The community of Galeshewe Township does not regard urban open spaces as valuable, both in ecological; social and economic sense. The study concludes that the purpose of township revitalisation is to improve the quality of life and to decrease urban poverty. The provision of unsuitable types of urban open spaces in previously neglected townships will not lead to the improvement of the quality of life for township dwellers, mainly due to the low value that is associated with the main benefits of urban open spaces, i.e., ecological; social and economic benefits.. Urban open spaces in the townships are mainly used for pedestrian movements. It is suggested that the creation of urban greenways that are connected to unavoidable types urban open spaces (e.g., heritage sites; aquatic; and geological open spaces) and institutional open spaces is one way that will bring success to the use of urban open spaces in the revitalisation of previously neglected townships.
Open Access
The applicability of gaming simulation in teaching and learning in urban and regional planning: a ten-year case study at the University of the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2013-07) Barclay, Elizabeth; Nel, V. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
The graduate identity of the professional planner in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2015) Hugo, Alwyn Pieter; Steyn, J. J.
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 The professional identity of planning is contested in planning literature. In South Africa three stakeholder areas drive professional planning education; these are SACPLAN as regulatory body, SAP! that represents planning practice, and planning academics. A strong agreement among the three stakeholder areas on the competency profile of a professional planner will strengthen the planning profession and clarify the identity of a professional planner in South Africa. The study investigated whether the 20 core and functional themes in the draft SACPLAN competency guidelines describe the graduate identity of a professional planner in South Africa. The study found that there is little consensus among the three stakeholder areas on the competency profile of professional planners. This does not indicate that the 20 core and functional themes in the draft SACPLAN guidelines should not form the basis of a graduate identity for professional planning, but rather that more debate is needed regarding competency profiles for planners in South Africa.
Open Access
The sustainability of housing built under the “breaking new grounds” housing policy: a case study of Carr Gardens, Johannesburg
(University of the Free State, 2015) Khuzwayo, Nhlanhla Zamokuhle; Nel, V. J.
English: The housing challenge in South Africa is complex and often political. The post- apartheid government has to efficiently use scare resources to provide housing for poor South Africans. On the one hand, the state has done exceptionally well in quantitatively providing housing opportunities but, on the other hand, there has been increasing concern about the quality of houses provided by the post-apartheid government. In response to these concerns, the than National Department of Housing adopted Breaking New Grounds (BNG) policy which attempts to address fundamental issues such as integration, sustainability, security of tenure, and providing wider housing options. As a result, this research endeavour seeks to assess the level to which the notion of sustainability has been incorporated to the BNG policy. It does this by exploring the Carr Gardens human settlements which is considered to be one of the BNG pilot projects. This study used both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms which were deemed appropriate to sufficiently answer the main research question. Self-administered questionnaires were strategically (random sampling) distributed in Carr Gardens to identify respondents with peculiar responders; which were then followed by semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured Interviews provided the research with the “thick description” or in-depth understand of the research phenomenon. During this research process, it was discovered that the concept of sustainability is complex and multi-dimensional which considers issues of tenure, affordability of housing, integration, etc. It was also discovered that policy-makers involved in the housing process often have a limited understanding of sustainable housing process in South Africa.
Open Access
Exploring the strategies employed by the greater Grasland community, Mangaung in accessing basic services
(University of the Free State, 2015-05) Mphambukeli, Thulisile Ncamsile; Nel, Verna; Chipkin, Ivor; Okorie, Victor
There was a spatial arrangement that the colonial-segregation-apartheid systems put in place in South Africa – a physical spatial relationship setup that segregated people mainly according to their race and class. In 1994 a ‘new ideology’ emerged – the delivery of adequate basic services – aiming to make a difference through transforming previously segregated spaces, using ‘new’ legislation and policies. Hence, democracy brought excitement of a ‘new South Africa’, ‘a rainbow nation’ as some called it, which was going to free people and transform the country. However, there were other forces that prevented the full realisation of this ‘new ideology’ that were, and are still at play even today. For instance, it has been a struggle for South Africa to move towards adequate basic service provision despite the significant changes and roll-out of basic services. The prevalence of high influx or (in)migration of people from neighbouring countries and the broader movement of rural depopulation (particularly farm evictions) to places like Grasland, are but some of the challenges that have contributed to basic service delivery inadequacies prevalent in the study area. Social justice, defined as values, process and practices for empowerment that disallow oneself to be oppressed, the promotion of values that disincline one to oppress others, and practices that enable equality and justice. Consequently, the study suggests that it was not useful to look at issues of inadequate basic service delivery from the lenses of spatial planning policy alone, but that we must also explore the practices of citizens through their lived experiences, as well as through the broader political processes and struggles. The thesis argues that only then can we start to recognise what really is at play and why the relevant policy and legislative was not effectively implemented. This thesis explores the strategies employed by the greater Grasland community in accessing basic services, especially in conditions of inadequate basic service delivery in and through formal municipal planning processes of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM). The study also attempts to understand how inequitable political and social power relations affect access to basic services within the community of Grasland and the implications for social justice in planning. The research was qualitative in nature, a descriptive phenomenological approach. Phenomenological research design approaches are less commonly used in urban and regional planning practice. Interviews were conducted with Grasland residents selected through snowball sampling as well as the relevant ward councillors. It was deduced that the Grasland residents took initiative to deal with challenges of access to basic services through various strategies. The thesis argues that these strategies can enable the MMM to plan with the local community towards adequate basic service provision. The study therefore provides some new insights for the planners and local government on how inadequate basic service delivery may be resolved through partnerships with local residents of Grasland, provided there is a willingness to learn from the improvised strategies that are employed by the residents. The key reason why this thesis is important is that it identifies factors that South Africa needs to grapple with towards making just spaces. Just spaces are those that do not constrain access to adequate basic services. The power relations evident in Grasland called into question government’s responsibilities towards its citizens versus the responsibilities of the citizens. This study vividly demonstrated that whilst ‘the state of temporariness’ of basic service provision and inadequacy persists in Grasland, planners and local government may learn something about how people take initiatives and employ strategies to access basic services. The anticipation from the recommendations is that a certain level of conscientising will ensue that speaks to the enabling use of power to enable effective and constructive social change, free of oppression.
Open Access
A framework for a sustainable land use management system in traditional Xhosa cultural geo-social zone of the rural Eastern Cape South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2015-07) Williams, A. D.; Nel, V.
Spatial planning in the Eastern Cape has generally pursued an ethos or set of rationalities that were founded in the colonial and apartheid eras. These rationalities were also embedded in the pursuit of modernity and a specific development trajectory which favoured the white community. In line with these ideological pursuits Xhosa culture and the geographic space it occupied were systematically reduced to serve a very distinct set of activities involving fulfilling the racially prejudiced demands for cheap and unskilled labour for the mines, industry and commercial farming sectors of the country. In spite of the unbelievable hardship and inhuman manipulation associated with these eras, Xhosa culture has survived. The heart of this culture is bound up in the dictum “I am because you are” and the journey of “becoming human” and nurturing “relationship” to achieve this. Relationship spans the living, the unborn and the departed. The geographic space that resonates with this dictum has been shaped by it: space then in the context of the Xhosa culture is a social construct and land is one medium through which this is realised. Access to land and the pursuit of Xhosa culture is a birth right. The drive to establish one spatial planning land use management system across the Province has raised concerns in that is this actually possible given the existence of such diverse rationalities between those pursued by traditional customary Xhosa culture and the modernist driven culture of spatial planning? This explores this complex web of cultural ideologies within the history and context of this Province in order to establish an answer to what is a critical question. Implicated too are notions of justice and international best practice. The prospect of the top down imposition of a state driven set of foreign developmental concepts that undermines or does not promote Xhosa culture may be regarded as unconstitutional. Notwithstanding, any culturally unacceptable imposition has within it the potential to undermine social cohesion and any real prospect for sustainable development. Spatial planning should seek to transform and enable in line with cultural norms and standards. Spatial planning should seek to serve.