From dead city space to vibrant HUB of talent : the challenge of urban renewal in the South African context

Abstract

The Tshwane Inner City Development and Regeneration Strategy (City of Tshwane 2005:13) of 2005 identifies aspects of identity, Entertainment, public space and safety as some of the urgent needs of the city of Tshwane. The aspect of identity is perhaps a misnomer as the capital city has a strong bureaucratic and educational identity. It can be presumed that it is not the lack of identity per se, but rather that the city lacks the sense of play that most cosmopolitan cities have. What does the city need? What does it want? What is lacking in our city? What brings people towards a city, a node, a point, a building? What has happened to the city’s sense of play? In order to address these problems, one would have to understand the principles of how to create vibrant, safe spaces in the city where people would want to spend their time. Which environments generate opportunities for people to interact? The study will concentrate on theories addressing diversity and safety within urban environments, with a focus on the role played by the consumer. These theoretical principles will be tested on a real-world problem in the inner city of Tshwane. The project will thus be approached from a practical point of view to present a realistic scheme to a potential client, while contributing to the regeneration of the inner city of Tshwane.