3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Spatial planning and transportation in Soweto: tracking densification and land-use changes around Rea Vaya phase 1A stations.(2017) Mbuyi, TshandaThe spatial transformation project in post-Apartheid South Africa aims to change the alienating urban form that resulted from planning policies based on racial segregation. Johannesburg’s municipal government aims to capitalise on its investment on the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), through the principles of Transit Oriented Development (TOD), to catalyse densification and diversification of land uses along the Rea Vaya’s corridors. This research sought to discover whether these objectives are being realised in Diepkloof and Orlando East, Soweto. In order to answer the research question, the results of a qualitative survey of people residing around these stations were analysed in conjunction with GIS data and records of Town Planning applications for properties located around BRT stations. The following findings emerged: the rate of densification has intensified but remains constrained mainly because of restricted access to finance; land-uses have remained the same but with increased activity levels. All spatial development strategies in the study area need to be aligned to the principles of TOD. This research hopes to achieve two things. Firstly, enrich the scarce literature on spatial transformation through transit investments, particularly the BRT in South African Townships. Secondly, guide spatial planning policies in similar contexts across the countryItem Gateway to a city: a transport interchange in Vereeniging(2017) Da Silva, Paulo Sousa NevesThis research report is an exploration of the public arena of a transport interchange in Vereeniging’s urban centre, and the opportunities created within a zone where many people of different backgrounds converge and interact. Therefore the document looks at various forms of transport converging on a single node and how best to integrate these into a single zone where all can feed off one another and enhance the experience within the public transport realm itself. The divisions of race, class & income cannot be wished away in Vereeniging, therefore the urban context of the inner city needs to be addressed (this indirectly affects the mindsets of the city’s inhabitants). The local informal economy, mini-bus taxi industry, bus services and rail have each appropriated responses to overcome the obstacles of segregation. The entrenched presence of the local informal economy and mini-bus taxi industry and its legal conflict with formal urban systems further fuels their independence. This still young newly found independence can mature in an urban intervention in which new rules of engagement are charted and a new tradition in the built environment begins. Therefore a gateway is a metaphor for the integration of public transport modes into a point of convergence at an urban movement node. It is also here at the threshold of this gateway, in and out of the city, that trade is best exploited and social engagements have the highest potential. It is not about erasing but rather reassembling a viable urban future, through learning from and working within the given conditionsItem The attractiveness of transit-orientated developments(2015-05-14) Norsworthy, Jeremy LouisThe nature of transport systems determines how people can travel from Johannesburg to Pretoria within the city. This research report seeks to demonstrate that transit-oriented development (TOD) as a concept has a strong sustainability agenda, and also has a strong developmental thrust. Concepts such as the “compact city” and the “smart city”, propagated for the sustainable use of the city and were used to influence the planning of TODs. The research report will seek to gain an understanding of how transit-orientated developments work and also how different concepts have influenced the way they are planned. The report also uses theories such as compact city, sustainable city and other theories like Christaller’s (1933) central place theory to form an explanation as to why these TOD nodes could be seen as attractive. Because the City of Johannesburg has promoted the use of TOD, property developers are indirectly encouraged to develop in these areas through various incentives that have been placed in the node. This study focuses on the Sandton area and specifically the area around the Gautrain station, and investigates how the concept of TOD has made the node more attractive for retail development and consumers. Apart from providing a basic understanding and overview of TOD, it explains the logic behind TOD and what makes it attractive to developers and consumers. The literature looks at theorists like Christaller (1933) to explain this phenomenon, while the epistemology of multiplicity is one which uses mixed methods to ensure that the questions posed in the research, along with the theories in the literature, are proved or disproved. This research report concludes by reflecting on some of the key factors of TOD that affect attractiveness. The main reason for this report is that, by identifying what is attractive to the consumer and the developer, a better understanding of the logic that underpins the market will be developed. A clearer understanding of the logic that operates in this market could allow for a number of new insights both when planning TOD nodes combined with major infrastructure projects, and when looking to develop in these areas. Another of the important questions that were answered was whether or not shopping-centre attractiveness was enhanced by TOD policies.