Abstract:
Despite numerous post-apartheid policies aiming to get rid of social exclusion and spatial
separation, the capital city of South Africa remains deeply divided. The city's public spaces
have evolved over the last three decades, witnessing a rise in gated communities that
restrict access to communal and recreational areas. However, what has remained
unchanged is the persistence of inequality in South African cities like Tshwane, with spatial
barriers and exclusionary elements from the past still existing as remnants.
This research paper examines exclusionary spatial measures in urban public spaces,
focusing on the context of Prinshof in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. The study delves
into the psychological accessibility of Prinshof, considering the impact of historical
imbalances, perceptions of activity, and the presence of exclusionary elements. The findings
reveal the influence of historical imbalances on Prinshof's urban development. Harsh
boundaries, such as property enclosures and limited access points, create spatial
segregation and underutilization of public spaces, leading to ‘wasted space’ within the urban
fabric. Perceptions of public space versus reality also play a critical role, as spaces labelled
as publicly accessible may still be psychologically uninviting or unused, impacting different
user groups' experiences. Green spaces and trees emerge as essential elements in
influencing psychological accessibility. The presence of trees along east-west roads creates
a pleasant walking experience, while the privatisation of green spaces limits their
accessibility to the broader community. Addressing these disparities requires thoughtful
placemaking that resonates with diverse cultural and social identities, promoting a sense of
ownership and belonging among residents. The implications of transportation on
psychological accessibility are also explored, with the high-speed road of Steve Biko being
identified as a significant barrier to pedestrian movement and safety. Noise levels and scale
play crucial roles in shaping perceptions of urban environments, with organic cities offering
better sensory experiences than disconnected volumes.
Overall, this research paper provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between
exclusionary spatial measures, historical imbalances, and psychological accessibility in
urban public spaces. By examining the Prinshof context, this study and its methodology has
the possibility to act as a good starting point and recipe for how the rest of the City of
Tshwane could be analysed.
