The Design of Policy to Physically Permeate Exclusive Social Enclaves: As Applied to Maboneng
Date
2014
Authors
Kluth, Charnelle
Kluth, Charnelle
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Abstract
South Africa’s vast inequality between the haves and the have nots have caused spatial fragmentation of the urban landscape. The haves are currently dominating the urban landscape with new developments of exclusive social enclaves whose benefits rarely breach its boundaries into surrounding communities. This is somewhat caused by the discrepancy between policy, particularly regeneration policy, and design and the physical manifestation in space thereof. The enclaves have to be made more permeable, accessible and inclusive by applying both design and policy principles in order to address socio-economic concerns and better integrate into the urban fabric. This research report investigated the development of socially exclusive enclaves, stated how and why they have developed as well as how to physically permeate their boundaries so as to develop them in a more inclusive manner. This was achieved by asking “What new policy/ies and physical design principles will permeate exclusive social enclaves?” and using Johannesburg’s Maboneng as an instrumental case study to conduct evaluative, qualitative, inductive research in the form of a photographic analysis and surveys. Maboneng shows evidence of social exclusion, particularly socio-economic exclusion. It has exclusive benefits as well as design and managerial qualities similar to that of other socially exclusive enclaves. The Precinct does, however, demonstrate somewhat of an interest in the surrounding
communities and strives to re-engage Joburgers with their inner city. The literature review pertaining to enclave formation, urban regeneration, its related policy and urban design principles uncovered the need for a reformation of policy that incorporates contextually based models of urban regeneration with a focus on better regulated public-private partnerships, social justice and inclusivity and also recommended physical solutions incorporating liveable, meaningful, accessible and other inclusive design principles in its implementation. Socially exclusive enclaves, as discovered in this research report, are capable of encouraging inclusive development through the implementation of a 5 year Integrated Development Plan outlining the vision, goals, socio-economic obligations and public-private-partnership regulations of the development itself. A 5 year IDP will provide sufficient planning time and therefore better align the new development goals with that of the municipality and better integrate and coordinate its development with urban regeneration policies and community needs. An IDP will draw design and policy into one cohesive document so as to form a stronger relationship where both aspects are intertwined and deemed necessary for the encouragement of inclusive development.
Description
Planning Honours Report 2014, Wits University
Keywords
social exclusion, policy, Maboneng
Citation
Kluth, C (2014). The Design of Policy to Physically Permeate Exclusive Social Enclaves: As Applied to Maboneng, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg