School of Architecture and Planning (ETDs)

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    Investigating aspects of rapid urbanisation and densification in Sub-Saharan Africa and the effect on the physical morphology of selected suburbs in Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dörmann, Kirsten; Jenkins, Paul
    This study examines the transformation of the South African version of the bungalow from a free-standing house into a courtyard form of building – seen as a bungalow ‘compound’– due to the significant change in occupancy. It focuses on two lower-income inner-city neighbourhoods of Johannesburg, Yeoville and Rosettenville. Both were created at the beginning of the 20th century, on either side of the city’s mining belt. After the political changes in 1990, these neighbourhoods have been almost completely re-populated with immense socio- cultural changes – and intensely densified. This radical change has, however, been kept hidden behind the boundary walls of the private properties. There has been little attention and very limited evidence concerning the alterations to the properties despite them being widespread. The research brings a new understanding of the ‘transformed house on the plot’ and its life forms as part of wider city-making processes. Although based on a typological approach to reading the change of the domestic spaces over time, this is analysed in-depth vis-à-vis social, economic, juridical, and political entanglements and highlights the need for transdisciplinary knowledge transfers. The study examines the bungalow compounds through innovative design research, applied via a Case Study approach, to a particularly complex category of ‘as built’ documentation. It investigates the outcome as a form of re-description of a part of the transforming African city – rather than the standard sterile service instrument of spatial administration. In this context, the pattern book and the notion of type are revisited to develop an alternate catalogue of properties based on more than thirty detailed case studies. Methodologically, the research considers the bungalow compound as an epistemic object that can manifest as a problem space across multiple themes, scales, and contexts. In doing so, the study addresses the misconception of architecture as a finished product and appropriates essential incompleteness as a device to locate relevant knowledge(s). It considers the inevitable lack of complete evidence as an opportunity to understand the documentation of these emerging dynamic ‘house worlds’ as readings of what is and what could be.
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    Project Reality - Imagining the symbiotic relationship between virtual reality and the human narrative
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Peneda, Michael
    With virtual reality technology being ever more integrated in our daily lives, through the accessibility to technology such as smartphones, personal computers, the internet, and social media. The potential possibilities for exploration, education, historical preservation, spatial exploration and how we define reality are endless. With the Newtown precinct having historical, educational, and recreational facilities within the heart of Johannesburg yet not functioning as a true representation of a cultural precinct. It provides the perfect catalyst for a virtual reality centre that enables the public to access this technology and explore its vast potential whilst reviving and transforming Newtown into a functional cultural precinct. Whilst being supported by the surrounding public infrastructure as well as creating a new pillar to support the precinct. This virtual reality centre provides the ability for users to explore both the virtual realm and the physical, while being able to easily transition from one to the other. With new ways of engaging with spatial exploration, immersive education, and new representations of historical narratives. With the building functioning as an amalgamation of new representations of classical typologies such as museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, research development and education facilities. By housing the functionalities of these typologies within the centre yet representing them in new ways with unique ways of engaging with them.
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    [Em]Powering Change: Readapting and reimagining the formerAthlone Power Station, Cape Town
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Liebrich, Michael
    Spaces of racial segregation and division are abundant in South Africa’s apartheid era urban planning. Greenbelts envisioned under the Garden City Movement to provide connection to the natural environment instead became spaces to divide residents of different ethnic groups. These spaces persist until today, their large footprints remaining as buffer spaces between race and class. One such space divides the Garden Cities of Pinelands; an affluent, predominantly white neighbourhood, and Langa; the oldest native township in Cape Town. Lack of funding, poor service provision, and historical injustices have resulted in Langa being stripped of the bucolic veneer of the Garden City, retaining only its highly controlling and ordered scheme underneath. To the South lies Athlone, a predominantly coloured neighbourhood further separated by major arterial roads. This in-between space holds the now decommissioned Athlone Power Station. For over two decades,the power station has sat idly between these three neighbourhood, its towering industrial presence dwarfing the surrounding residential contexts. The station is a place of historical injustice, of social and environmental toxicity. On the other hand, it is a site of imbued memory, of community identity, acting as a beacon for these surrounding areas. Transforming the site from a closed off space of segregation into one of homogeneity and collective memories can start bridging these historic divides. The adaptive reuse of the site into a space for people allows for life to be brought into this industrial wasteland, creating social bonds while extending the life of an architectural icon. The site is envisioned to become a form of a palimpsest, an overlay of different memories, of current activities, and of forward thinking innovation and creativity
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    Using tactical urbanism to facilitate micromobility at Gautrain stations
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tiroyabone, Lerato; Theron, Patricia
    This research examines the potential of tactical urbanism to enhance micromobility at Gautrain station precincts, focusing on addressing first/last mile connectivity challenges and advancing sustainable urban mobility in Gauteng, South Africa – a country that faces unique transport challenges, such as a high dependency on private vehicles and an inefficient public transport system. Employing a mixed methods approach, the study integrates literature review, commuter surveys, streetscape analysis, using a modified Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) methodology, expert interviews, and policy reviews to provide an understanding of the dynamics of micromobility integration in the South African context. The findings reveal that while tactical urbanism interventions, such as widened non-motorised transport (NMT) pathways, lane reallocation, and traffic calming measures, can enhance first/last mile connectivity, immediate efforts should prioritise the provision of adequate NMT infrastructure in accordance with existing policies. This reflects the pressing need to address foundational urban mobility challenges before focusing on micromobility-specific interventions. Nonetheless, the study highlights the importance of initiating policy development to accommodate broader and more diverse modes of micromobility, alongside establishing safety standards and regulations to support their future integration. The study highlights the socio-economic benefits of NMT and micromobility interventions, including reducing private vehicle dependency, improving accessibility for diverse socio-economic populations, and fostering equitable and sustainable mobility. Recommendations emphasise phased implementation strategies, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and targeted policy reforms to create a supportive environment for integrating tactical urbanism and micromobility. The research concludes that these approaches offer a scalable framework for advancing urban transport planning and policy in Gauteng, with potential applications in similar urban nationally.
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    The role of Mass Engineered Timber in the decarbonisation of the built environment
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Erasmus, Jan Harm; Stone-Johnson, Brigitta
    As urbanisation accelerates globally, the built environment faces the critical challenge of decarbonisation to mitigate the impacts of climate change. With cities expanding at an unprecedented rate, the demand for sustainable construction methods is more pressing than ever. This research explores decarbonisation pathways in the construction industry by examining the potential of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) as an alternative to conventional building materials for medium-rise urban buildings. The study investigates how geographic location influences buildings' Global Warming Potential (GWP), hypothesising that MET buildings exhibit significantly lower embodied emissions than reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Factors such as energy grid composition and supply chain logistics are examined in two geographic scenarios: Cape Town, South Africa, and Perth, Australia. A standardised Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is employed to perform a comparative analysis of functionally identical buildings in these locations through computational modelling. Scenarios involving vertical extensions of existing buildings are also modelled to assess their decarbonisation potential compared to redevelopment. By integrating qualitative and quantitative insights, the research highlights the importance of context-specific strategies in emissions reduction. It underscores the benefits of utilising local materials and adopting standardised LCA methodologies to advance sustainable urban development. The findings indicate that MET offers a viable alternative to conventional construction materials and methods, providing actionable recommendations for stakeholders to mitigate the environmental impact of the built environment.
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    The dynamics of place branding in Johannesburg: 1994 - 2019
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Mbinza, Zenzile; Sihlongonyane, Mfaniseni Fana
    This PhD thesis lays the ground for understanding place branding processes from cities of the Global South. It critically explores place branding as an emerging mechanism for urban governance in Johannesburg. It is critical because place branding and its related processes have increasingly gained momentum in countries, regions and cities jostling for niche status in global economics. This thesis explores the different place brands that Johannesburg coined over time, focussing on the period between 1994 and 2019. It explored the city’s place brands under the five mayors that presided over Johannesburg, beginning with Dan Pretorius (1994 – 1995), Isaac Mogase (1995 – 1999), Amos Masondo (2000 – 2011), Parks Tau (2011 – 2016) and Herman Mashaba (2016 – 2019). The thesis employed a qualitative research methodology and case study design. Primary data Archival research and interviews were the primary data collection strategies. The ensuing discussion of place brands in Johannesburg reveals the dynamics and push factors that have contributed to the development of place brands under the time in question. Politics, economics, and activities related to globalisation emerged as leading drivers for the city of Johannesburg to develop its various place brands. The thesis found that Johannesburg followed a template similar to the cities of the Global North in its application of place branding. However, the thesis also found gaps in the city’s place branding processes. For example, there was limited engagement with the city residents when developing Johannesburg’s place brands. It pointed to a unilateral, top-down application of place branding in the city, which precluded it from using these processes as democracy-building tools. It necessitates the exploration of place branding from the perspective of city governments to begin encompassing issues of inclusivity and public participation. In this light, the thesis calls for a more strategic application of place branding in the Johannesburg.
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    The Role of Chiefs in Land Management in Peri-Urban Customary Areas Of Blantyre, Malawi: The Case of Mpemba
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-04) Magwede, Chimwemwe Edith; Williamson, Amanda
    Peri-urbanisation is a new form of urbanisation and the peri-urban area is a new kind of multi-functional landscape for urban development. How peri-urban areas are managed matters because they are close to the city and due to high urbanisation rates in most developing countries, these areas will soon be part of the city. If urban peripheries are not well-managed, they will be a challenge for sustainable development. In Malawi, peri-urban areas fall under customary land and chiefs are the custodians of customary land. The study unpacks the role of chiefs in land management, how the National Land Policy and land-related legislation position customary leadership in the governance of land management and how municipal and customary land management systems interact with each other in the peri-urban areas. The study employed a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and policy and legislation were reviewed. The 2002 National Land Policy of Malawi and land-related legislation were reviewed focusing on the role of chiefs in land management. Although the peri-urban areas fall under the jurisdiction of chiefs, the research reveals that this area is treated as no man's land as there exists an overlap of authorities in the peri-urban areas. The chiefs witness land transactions, advise their people on how to secure their land, and partially guide and manage land, although they are not aware of land regulations and standards. The findings also disclose that there is a lack of coordination within municipal land management systems and between municipal land management systems and customary land management systems. Although the legislation states that chiefs have to be incorporated in land management, these laws have not been fully implemented as there are still in the pilot phase.
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    Why do equity oriented, ‘progressive’ planning policies fail to redress the apartheid city? An examination of Planning Instrumentality in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Klug, Neil; Bénit-Gbaffou, Claire; Todes, Alison
    In the immediate post-apartheid period, the fields of urban planning and housing experienced what some have called a ‘golden era’ during which planning played a significant role in the Reconstruction and Development Programme of the government, through developing new and progressive planning and housing policy instruments. Some of these instruments were designed to expedite the release of serviced land and provide subsidised housing, address the apartheid legacy of spatial segregation and housing backlogs. Despite success in the large number of houses delivered to the poor and increased service delivery to previously disenfranchised communities, by the mid 2000s there was growing criticisms of the state’s failure to redress discriminatory apartheid spatial patterns. South Africa was also experiencing growth in unemployment and inequality between emerging elites on the one hand and the majority of previously disadvantaged in society. This study sought to examine what role planning policy instruments played in failing to address the spatial legacies of apartheid. Acknowledging the wide range of potential variables contributing to this lack of efficacy, the study took an in-depth grounded, research approach. Using three case studies on different planning and housing related policy instruments and suits of instruments, at different phases of the policy cycle framework, it examined whether or not the state had managed to address housing and other inequalities. The first case study involved the examination of the processes and practices in formulating a local eviction policy instrument, the second reflected on housing officials’ engagement with the National Housing Code suit of instruments, and the third examined the practices and processes of implementing the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme. The findings of these case studies were that equity oriented, ‘progressive’ planning policies fail to redress the apartheid spatial inequalities because they are either not being selected for use or, where they are being applied, had limited impact because they were being implemented in a watered-down fashion. My thesis shows that there are multiple factors, from broad and complex governance structures to the actions of individual actors, that affect the efficacy of policy instruments.
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    Alternative Tenure Options as a Stepping Stone for Urban Land Reform: The Case of Kwa Mai Mai Muthi Market
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mnguni, Thobeka; Maina, Miriam M.
    This research uses qualitative methods to investigate the case of the Kwa Mai Mai muthi market located in the central business district of Johannesburg where over the decades informal traders have converted their trading units into residential homes. This case is used to respond to the research question, ‘To what extent is taking administrative action to improve land tenure by offering communities rights to occupy urban land feasible and necessary for advancing the urban land reform agenda?.’ The research acknowledges that popular approaches to improving tenure by converting insecure tenure rights to statutory ownership through the Deeds office has had limited success and resulted in efficiencies due to the high costs and the resources intensive nature of this approach. Instead, the research recommends a necessary transition to improving tenure in innovative, context-specific ways that work to build on existing settlements through taking low-cost and low LOE administrative action.
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    In the Era of Global Shocks: A Needs Inquiry on State Provided Housing During and After the Covid-19 Pandemic
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mogale, Lebogang Lucia; Klug, Neil
    South Africa, like many countries of the South is confronted by a housing crisis, especially in Metropolitan areas. This is because Metropolitan areas are experiencing rapid population growth and, in the process, creating a demand for low-income housing. The state-provided low-income housing, implemented as a remedial intervention, has faced spatial, procedural, and administrative scrutiny, among others. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought housing and human settlements into the spotlight, raising both opportunities and challenges with the resilience of state-provided low income housing. The study has used the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic to emphasize and make apparent the various types of housing and settlement needs that should be prioritised to potentially mitigate the impact of future global shocks such as pandemics. Global shocks trigger resilience thinking that is linked to spatial attributes that can potentially reduce and mitigate the impact of disasters and risks. This indicates an opportunity of supporting ‘resilience thinking’ with existing social realities. The study speaks to this gap by diving deep into theoretical discourses of housing needs and practical needs as determined by participants perceptions. This was done by adopting a case study design that follows Wilhelm Dilthey's philosophy of hermeneutics. The Case Study context used was Palm Ridge extension 10 where Breaking New Ground Housing and Military Veteran houses were allocated in November 2019. Interviews were conducted with both municipal officials and beneficiaries of subsidised housing to inquire in-depth about their considerations of housing needs and how they can be met. The findings of the study indicate that there is a correlation between what is perceived as housing needs during the pandemic and some principles of resilience thinking. It identifies two types of housing needs necessary for mitigation, coping, and recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic. The needs identified are technical housing needs which are concerned with the physical structure of a house and settlement, and soft dimensional housing needs which are more symbolic of the relationship residents have with their houses and the overall neighbourhood. Moreover, the study emphasises that the translation of housing needs from theory to practice is to a certain degree challenged by institutional deficiencies. Although state-provided housing is challenged, it has proven a resilient measure in the era of the pandemic when housing insecurities were on the rise. Neighbourhoods like Palm Ridge can potentially adopt evolutionary and transformative resilience due to their flexible nature to cater to changing needs. Therefore, it is apparent that needs inquiry is a complex issue that can be leveraged to stimulate the adoption and development of bottom-up and collaborative responses to shock mitigation.