Mixed-use development as a strategy for urban growth, development and planning

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:South Africa has moved into a new political era in which all citizens are entitled toequal access to opportunities. Disadvantaged communities are cherishing highexpectations of what the future will hold for them. To avoid trade-offs that can lead tothe escalation of violence, more efficient management strategies are necessary torestructure the urban environment and address the problems of a rapidly urbanisingpopulation.The primary goal of this study is to examine to what extent mixed-use developmentscan facilitate economic development within low income communities. The resultsindicate that the planning of mixed-use developments, can create strong, welldefinedcity structures which will address the current urban deficiencies experiencedin metropolitan areas. Mixed-use developments offer a means to integrate thoseparts of the metropolitan area with no coherent and integrated structure into thelarger urban environment. An increase in densities, land use intensification andpassing traffic can create the necessary market thresholds to sustain a wide range ofeconomic and social activities and facilities that are typically not found in inwardlyturned, peripheral communities. This can increase the standard of living of thesecommunities by improving their access to economic opportunities, providingemployment and supporting the fulfilment of their economic and social needs.The informal sector plays an important role in the urban economy. The creation ofmulti-functional markets within mixed-use development will stimulate groWth andemployment creation within the informal sector. The higher economic thresholds andbetter access to markets and supplies can improve the viability of small -scale informal enterprises. These markets will benefit the local communities by providing avariety of economic activities and services within the same location. The stimulationof economic activity within the low income communities can improve the circulation ofmoney and assist in the prevention of income leakage to other centres.The implementation of mixed-use development has the potential of addressing theproblems currently inhibiting economic development of low-income communities.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University