Exploring urban design and resident perceptions for the spatial transformation of the City of Tshwane

Abstract

South Africa continues to grapple with the spatial legacy of apartheid, and despite opportunities for resilient growth, its cities remain highly fragmented and unequal. In the City of Tshwane, spatial transformation has been slow, often hampered by challenges that directly impact residents. This dissertation addresses this issue by investigating the relationship between urban design and the perceptions of Tshwane's residents, seeking to understand how they experience their neighbourhoods amidst ongoing urban change. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. Primary data was collected through questionnaires distributed to 259 residents across five key urban precincts: the Pretoria CBD, Hatfield, the Menlyn Precinct, the Centurion CBD, and the Pretoria North CBD, capturing both quantitative satisfaction levels and qualitative insights. This perceptual data was then contextualised through spatial analysis of the precincts' physical characteristics.A key finding is that resident satisfaction is strongly correlated with specific urban design dimensions. Dissatisfaction was highest in the Pretoria CBD, an area shaped by outdated apartheid-era planning principles. In contrast, the high desirability of Pretoria East highlights the value residents place on well-maintained public spaces, perceived safety, and accessible amenities. The data from this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how urban design influences resident satisfaction. These insights can inform the development of more equitable and inclusive spatial transformation strategies by helping to reprioritise interventions based on resident perceptions. The findings have direct relevance for municipal policies such as Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), helping to better align these high-level strategies with local priorities.