Reabetswe Makola
Linda Dlamini
UKUHLANGANA KWEZINTO
Exploring the redesign of urban spaces according to specificity, quality & connectivity
Project Description
VISION: Durban Central as a mixed use urban forest that
connects attractions, locals, and tourists.
Aim: to maintain the mixed use nature of Dr. Pixley Kaseme Street in Durban CDB but upgrading the spatial quality so that people are attracted to space out of active choice rather then just necessity.
Objectives:
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Create a neighbourhood that is freely walkable away from vehicular movement and safe for pedestrians
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Ensuring that space still remains self-sufficient through mixed use developments
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Contribute towards a green city by incorporating greenery into the city scape
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Improvement on housing conditions
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Actively accommodate the more common trade sorts such as street vendors (small scale economy)
UKUHLANGANA KWEZINTO
Main idea of UDF: Concept: Connecting People to Green Space & Mixed Use Built Form
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In Durban Central the CBD with its dense mixed used built form stretches in a linear manner through, mainly, Dr. Pixley Kaseme Street (West Street) and Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street). This concept turns the once linear CDB into a boxed CBD. The transit accessibility is still maintained as well as the pedestrian activity that is hosted in CBD.
However, in its own unique way the CBD is now framed by greenery to its north and east. This greenery is accessible to locals and tourists alike, creating a connection between the two and to sustainable spaces .
The high and concentrated mobility and access of the central business district is maintain by offering many streets that are vehicular and pedestrian friendly and a taxi rank being near by.
The promenade and beachfront gives access to notable facilities whilst introducing commercial, retail and residential facilities in one space makes it self sufficient. The green space makes the area breathable, relaxing, sustainable and breathable whilst offering varying activities to people.
