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The Importance of Planning for Green Spaces
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
1-5
Received:
27 March 2015
Accepted:
27 March 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: Green spaces are often perceived as a luxury, especially in rural areas in need of basic services and characterized by housing needs. Recent studies proof the necessity of providing green spaces, captured in terms of the social, environmental, health and economic benefits that such spaces offer to (urban and rural) communities, along with the core linkage to sustainability and enhanced quality of life. Acknowledging the constrains of providing green spaces including issues such as limited municipal budgets, conflicting development priorities, and increasing urbanization placing pressure on space for development, this paper explores the importance of planning for green spaces in terms of the direct and indirect benefits it offers to communities and to the sustainable development approach.
Abstract: Green spaces are often perceived as a luxury, especially in rural areas in need of basic services and characterized by housing needs. Recent studies proof the necessity of providing green spaces, captured in terms of the social, environmental, health and economic benefits that such spaces offer to (urban and rural) communities, along with the core ...
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African Approaches to Spatial and Green Planning
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
6-13
Received:
24 March 2015
Accepted:
8 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: As spatial planning evolved two notions of green planning emerged: traditional and sustainability notions. The former identifies with the practice in African countries when traditional urbanism is the vogue and popular design tradition in planning managed eco-centric settlements. In this context, spatial and green planning fused and drew impetus from the spirituality and traditional institutions of African societies. The sustainability notion of green planning is a recent phenomenon that is common with developed countries although it is assuming global dimension. It came with systemic changes which redefined the instrumentality of spatial planning. In effect, spatial and green planning literarily demerged and the later found expression in green growth otherwise sustainable development. This paper recalls the legacy of green planning in traditional urbanism and the lessons it holds for sustainable urbanism in contemporary societies.
Abstract: As spatial planning evolved two notions of green planning emerged: traditional and sustainability notions. The former identifies with the practice in African countries when traditional urbanism is the vogue and popular design tradition in planning managed eco-centric settlements. In this context, spatial and green planning fused and drew impetus fr...
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Social Upliftment as a Result of Green Space Provision in Rural Communities
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
14-20
Received:
31 March 2015
Accepted:
8 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: Rural communities, especially those within the South African context, are faced with daily challenges – most of which are associated with a lack of basic social provisions, needs and spaces. This paper introduces the concept of green space planning as an alternative planning approach to address these social challenges within rural South African communities. It provides a comparative study between social challenges experienced in South Africa and the benefits provided by green spaces; introducing green space provision as an alternative planning method to address social challenges, especially those prevalent in rural South African communities. By providing successful and sufficient green spaces, numerous rural challenges are addressed and an overall upliftment of the communities’ mental and physical well-being, social inclusion and quality of life is established.
Abstract: Rural communities, especially those within the South African context, are faced with daily challenges – most of which are associated with a lack of basic social provisions, needs and spaces. This paper introduces the concept of green space planning as an alternative planning approach to address these social challenges within rural South African com...
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Planning Child-Friendly Spaces for Rural Areas in South-Africa
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
21-32
Received:
4 March 2015
Accepted:
17 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: Child-friendly space are not successfully implemented in South Africa due to problems such as urbanization, development pressure, lack of qualitative open spaces and lack of policy and legislation guiding the planning and protection of such spaces. This study explores the possibility of creating qualitative, playful, educational and environmentally preserving open spaces through the creation and provision of child-friendly spaces for children within their surrounding neighbourhood. The priority within rural areas is usually focussed on providing basic facilities and infrastructure, and the provision of qualitative open spaces is often neglected. In this sense, there is no qualitative child-friendly space currently documented or successfully implemented in rural areas in South Africa. This study provides an overview on what is considered as a child-friendly space and the importance to create such spaces. The main challenges faced by rural areas in South Africa in creating child-friendly spaces are explored. Furthermore current planning approaches in providing child-friendly space in rural areas are identified and evaluated. Lastly green guidelines in creating child-friendly spaces are established.
Abstract: Child-friendly space are not successfully implemented in South Africa due to problems such as urbanization, development pressure, lack of qualitative open spaces and lack of policy and legislation guiding the planning and protection of such spaces. This study explores the possibility of creating qualitative, playful, educational and environmentally...
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The Planning and Development of Child-friendly Green Spaces in Urban South Africa
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
33-44
Received:
4 March 2015
Accepted:
13 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: The impact that urban green spaces in urban environments have on the sustainability and quality of life of the residents is phenomenal [3,19,40]. The local reality in South Africa confirms that green spaces, specifically child-friendly green spaces, in urban environments are decreasing because of growing populations and increasing urbanization [34]. Preference is given to provide housing for a growing population, due to the impacts of urbanization, and the development and enhancement of green spaces are often neglected in this regard [30]. Although literature proofs the benefits and need for green spaces in urban areas (also in South Africa), the planning and development of these spaces do not realize in many instances, due to a lack of municipal priorities and funding, driven by the urgent need to provide housing, but also coupled with a lack of understanding of the benefits and importance of planning for green spaces or child-friendly green spaces in urban development. The planning and development of green spaces in the urban environment are investigated as part of this research, along with the benefits that such spaces can provide to communities by focusing on the aspect of child-friendliness. This study evaluated the planning and development of child-friendly spaces in the urban environment of the city of Durban, Republic of South Africa, confirming how ineffective the current child-friendly spaces are. Two international case studies are identified as best-practice cases, namely Mullerpier child-friendly public playground in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Kadidjiny Park in Melville, Australia. The aim was to determine how these international child-friendly spaces were planned and developed and to identify tools and planning approaches of the two international case studies that were used to accomplish the goal of providing successful child-friendly green spaces and how it can be implemented in South Africa. The policies and frameworks which influence the study area in Essenwood, Durban, were identified and analysed in order to establish whether or not the planning and development of child-friendly spaces is supported within the chosen area. This research concluded that child-friendly green spaces do however have a positive impact on the urban environment, caters for children’s needs and assist in their development and interaction with the natural environment, only if these spaces are maintained.
Abstract: The impact that urban green spaces in urban environments have on the sustainability and quality of life of the residents is phenomenal [3,19,40]. The local reality in South Africa confirms that green spaces, specifically child-friendly green spaces, in urban environments are decreasing because of growing populations and increasing urbanization [34]...
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Evaluating the Spatial and Environmental Benefits of Green Space: An International and Local Comparison on Rural Areas
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
45-51
Received:
2 April 2015
Accepted:
17 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: Many issues exist from isolated planning of urbanized areas and environmental areas. Current approaches focussing on the integration of Urban Planning and Urban Ecology seek to address such issues. Urban Ecology practice aims to describe the study of the joined relationships between humans and nature. Urban Ecology thus forms a major part of Urban and Spatial Planning, with regard to the objectives of sustainable planning and development, green infrastructure planning, and resilience. Green spaces support sustainable human settlements by means of the different benefits which nature provides, referred to in this research as ecosystem services. Green spaces, in this sense, are fundamental areas in human settlements, in need of intentional and structured planning approaches to enhance sustainability and said environmental benefits. Rural settlements in South Africa experience various problems and challenges in terms of planning for the environment through green spaces (as well as sustainability), mainly as a result of the fragmentation of these rural areas, the existence of lost spaces, urbanisation, urban sprawl and poverty. This research attempted to address the challenges of integrated planning and green space provision in a local rural context; evaluated the spatial and environmental benefits of green space; and enhanced the importance of planning for such benefits in rural South African areas. A local and international comparative study was conducted in order to evaluate the green space planning of South African rural areas in terms of international approaches. The comparative study also served as guidance for new green space planning approaches and recommendations in South African rural context.
Abstract: Many issues exist from isolated planning of urbanized areas and environmental areas. Current approaches focussing on the integration of Urban Planning and Urban Ecology seek to address such issues. Urban Ecology practice aims to describe the study of the joined relationships between humans and nature. Urban Ecology thus forms a major part of Urban ...
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Addressing Water Concerns Through Spatial Planning Initiatives For Rural Communities
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
52-58
Received:
30 March 2015
Accepted:
9 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: Planning in South Africa operates within a legal framework, which strives to ensure that municipalities deliver their developmental duties (in terms of Section 153 of the Constitution). South Africa’s approach to Spatial Planning and Land Use Management is undergoing major changes in order to escape from the legacy of apartheid planning, as well as to ensure sustainable development and better management of municipal land. Developing countries such as South Africa do not have the luxury of centuries of learning to adapt to growth. There is no better time than the present to introduce innovative, multidimensional and effective evidence based planning practices by improving the connection between research and professional work to support sustainable development and to overcome the urban and rural challenges presented by rapid population growth. For the first time in the history of South Africa it has been legislated that municipalities must include previously secluded rural areas into their planning strategies. These strategies must take place with a full understanding of current and future challenges such as demographic; environmental; economic; social‐spatial; and institutional challenges in order to foster sustainable development. This research will present opportunities in terms of planning for sustainable water management in rural areas (which also includes previously secluded townships) through the use of spatial planning tools such as a Spatial Development Framework and a Municipal Land Use Scheme based on the context of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act No. 16 of 2013.
Abstract: Planning in South Africa operates within a legal framework, which strives to ensure that municipalities deliver their developmental duties (in terms of Section 153 of the Constitution). South Africa’s approach to Spatial Planning and Land Use Management is undergoing major changes in order to escape from the legacy of apartheid planning, as well as...
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Planning for Sustainable Communities: Evaluating Place-Making Approaches
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
59-72
Received:
30 March 2015
Accepted:
28 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: People's survival and their quality of life, are irrefutable dependent on the natural environment in which they reside. To ensure that people's quality of life be maintained in any specific area, it is therefore imperative to find a sustainable equilibrium between the social and economic needs of people and the capacity of the natural resources in their environment. The composition of communities is, however, complex and diverse. The multiplicity of culture, gender and age in any particular community, give rise to needs that is unique regarding to that community as well as the impact thereof on the natural environment. For this reason, it will require an ingenious planning approach be followed, whereby the unique needs of people in an specific area as well as the protection of the natural environment simultaneously be addressed. Characteristics of a sustainable community are typically, a healthier, safer, greener, economically independent community which is well managed. Furthermore it has lower transportation costs and less traffic, is more economic in terms of housing and market demands, shows decreased costs of infrastructure and also has low level of air pollution. Place-making, through layout and design, is an integrative planning approach in creating sustainable communities. Place-making is fundamentally a strategy aimed at creating one or more places in an area which, serve as focal points for economic and social activities of people in the community. Such places will contribute to the quality of life in a community and will also encourage more people to visit the area.
Abstract: People's survival and their quality of life, are irrefutable dependent on the natural environment in which they reside. To ensure that people's quality of life be maintained in any specific area, it is therefore imperative to find a sustainable equilibrium between the social and economic needs of people and the capacity of the natural resources in ...
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Challenges in Realising Sustainable Community Development in Rural South Africa
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
73-79
Received:
13 April 2015
Accepted:
24 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: The importance of rural development has long since been known but it has specific relevance to South Africa, where the poor quality of life is driving rural resident to migrate toward urban areas. This is turn is causing worrying problems for cities and towns which have to provide housing and services to the increased influx of new residents. The only solution to the rural exodus is to redevelop rural areas into sustainable communities. Having a clear definition and understanding of sustainable development and sustainable communities is a prerequisite in developing sustainable rural communities. To this end the Venn diagram of sustainability as it applies to communities is utilized, to incorporate social, environmental and economic issues into sustainable community planning and development. From this a better understanding of the interactions between the various spheres of sustainability can be had, leading to a better understanding of sustainable community development as a whole. Unfortunately there are several challenges in achieving sustainable rural communities. While most of these challenges are well known there are a few that are unique to the South African rural sphere. If development plans and policies aren’t tailor made to adapt to these specific challenges then sustainable community development will never be possible in rural South Africa.
Abstract: The importance of rural development has long since been known but it has specific relevance to South Africa, where the poor quality of life is driving rural resident to migrate toward urban areas. This is turn is causing worrying problems for cities and towns which have to provide housing and services to the increased influx of new residents. The o...
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A Framework for Planning Green Spaces in Rural South Africa
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4-1, August 2015
Pages:
80-86
Received:
2 April 2015
Accepted:
2 April 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: The importance of planning for green spaces is well captured in literature, focusing on the direct and indirect benefits which such spaces provides to various beneficiaries, from local authorities to local communities. However, the planning and implementation of such spaces, especially in a rural context, is complex. The value of spaces is perceived differently by different stakeholders, and this is also true for the rural environments, characterized with unique challenges and needs. This paper captures the value of green spaces and relates it to specific rural considerations, in order to state the value that green spaces can provide to rural areas and communities. The Vaalharts case study is used to explain current realities and best practice options and the paper concludes with a framework for the planning of green spaces in rural South Africa, including all aspects and design elements that should be considered in the planning and provision of green spaces.
Abstract: The importance of planning for green spaces is well captured in literature, focusing on the direct and indirect benefits which such spaces provides to various beneficiaries, from local authorities to local communities. However, the planning and implementation of such spaces, especially in a rural context, is complex. The value of spaces is perceive...
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