Is spatial integration socially sustainable?

Abstract

This article raises the question whether spatial integration is socially sustainable in a South African context. This is an important question given that settlements remain socially unsustainable despite several years of integrated planning and the inclusion of spatial integration measures in post-apartheid urban spatial policy. A review of literature and existing research about the relation between spatial integration and social sustainability suggests that the question is still inconclusive and that further empirical research is needed about social ‘responses’ to spatial integration in a South African context. It is concluded that such research should be done as basic and applied research to improve planners’ understanding of the relation between spatial integration and social sustainability and to better inform integrated planning.