Accommodating density: an alternative to Cape Town's suburban mode

The Cape Town city border is expanding due to rapid urbanisation and further expansion is not the solution. The growth is destroying agricultural land and the provision of transport and services is becoming increasingly inefficient. The new suburbs on the edge of the city are comprised of mostly low density housing and present a dull urban environment. There is a need to find alternate ways to accommodate a growing population with efficient use of services and facilities. Denser environments present greater vibrancy. This dissertation addresses the issues around high density housing and how to change South African's negative perceptions regarding density which are based on the lack of parking space, privacy and desire for one's own garden. Perceptions can be changed through transport-orientated design, designing for privacy and the inclusion of balconies or patios. This project also looks at ways to increase a sense of community, which is often lacking in low density areas. The project is sited within the Two Rivers Urban Park, in Hazendal by the Black River. This area offers a unique opportunity for Cape Town to densify existing areas near the city and redefine how Capetonians perceive rivers, which are often viewed as the 'backyard' space of the suburb. Rivers are neglected, polluted and used as dumping grounds. This dissertation attempts to change this perception and to provide opportunity to celebrate the rivers. The outcome of this dissertation is an infill project and a catalyst for potential density development in the area. The project surrounds the Hazendal train station. It includes a social housing section with community facilities; a new train station entrance with a community hub; private plots, and market-related housing facing the Black River. The proposed design for the dissertation could set a precedent for ways in which to densify existing low density suburbs near to the city centre.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Graham, Laura Dale

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Silverman, Melinda

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17201

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17201