The conceptualisation, institutionalisation, delivery and management of public space in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality : towards integrated placemaking and greening practices

Abstract

Public Space and the creation thereof is as much a process as it is a product of urban design. The practice of placemaking draws on the potential of place-based conceptualisation to enrich the relationship and interaction between people and places. Simultaneously, greening practices in relation to placemaking hold the potential to enhance human health and well-being whilst contributing to harmonious relationships between nature and the built environment. Given that sound urban design and the delivery of public space at a city-wide scale is a core function of local government, the task of leading and integrating practices of placemaking and greening into the planning, conceptualisation and delivery of public space lies primarily with municipalities. In order to understand the relevance of and the conditions which underpin the institutionalisation of practices of placemaking and greening in a local government context, the study looks into the real-world context of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as a case study. The research follows a qualitative enquiry to explore, understand, interpret and build a holistic picture of placemaking and greening practices which occur in the municipality. The thesis proposes a conceptual framework which brings together essential dimensions which enable the integration of practices of placemaking and greening into processes of public space delivery and governance. It positions public space as a product which is an outcome of a series of processes which impacts on the quality, value and use of public space. The conceptual framework assisted to structure the empirical research which presents an observation of the processes of public space delivery and governance within the municipality in terms of placemaking and greening practices, and the impact of these processes on the product of public space as observed within the three operational regions of the city. The narrative highlights key issues which affect practices of placemaking and greening in the city offering lessons for similar municipalities in a Global South context. These issues are framed as a series of protocols for action encompassing five key areas of significance. These include the need to i) re-envision public space highlighting the role of institutional innovation, leadership, collaboration and championing, ii) reclaim the value of public space highlighting the role of planning and investment in public space iii) re-establish the relevance of public space highlighting the role of place-based and green conceptualisations of public space iv) promote innovation in public space governance highlighting the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships in ongoing management and maintenance of public space and lastly v) develop design governance tools such as urban design policies, public space strategies and placemaking and greening guidelines which will assist in enhancing place quality as well as in mainstreaming practices of placemaking and greening within public space. The thesis argues that practices of placemaking and greening hold unique relevance in a Global South context characterised by high unemployment and poverty. The current prioritisation and focus by local government on the provision of shelter and basic infrastructure services results in the corresponding neglect of public space which in many instances becomes the ‘unseen space’ having consequences for the quality of life of citizens especially in the most marginalised areas of the city which experience severe disparities in access to well managed social, recreational and green spaces and amenities. It is held that the institutionalisation of practices of placemaking and greening within public space could play a significant role in enhancing the liveability, resilience, sense of health, well-being, sense of belonging and sense of place of South African cities. The prospects for institutionalisation however lie within the ability of municipalities, municipal leaders and officials to recognise the significant gaps which exist in relation to the role currently played by public space in order to commit to the necessary institutional shifts which will be required to reconceptualise current practices towards unlocking the full potential of public space in cities of the Global South.