Towards a more sustainable open space planning approach : George Municipality

Abstract

This research project seeks to explore the relationship between open spaces and how they are incorporated into urban development strategies. Open spaces refer to parks and recreational grounds while development strategies refer to intensification, densification, compact cities and sustainable development. As cities develop the incorporation of open spaces often decline due to neglected attention and planning of these spaces. The lack of criteria on how open spaces are planned for is also relevant. However, different factors play a role on how open spaces can be accommodated during the implementation of development strategies. The manner in which people perceive open spaces could lead to the decline in amount open spaces and usage. This paper assesses the form of urban areas and the role of development strategies. In depth analysis of open spaces related to their design and functionality follows. The paper seeks to determine which aspects contribute to efficient open space planning. Multifunctionality is one of the key aspects that contribute to open space efficiency. By understanding the key factors that make an open space functional possible planning and management guidelines can be drawn to assist in their development. These guidelines will potentially be able to satisfy the needs of communities living in surrounding urban areas. This paper will assess different case studies in order to determine guidelines for the planning of open spaces. These factors can then be compared to the study area’s open spaces to evaluate their functionality. Recommendations are drawn from the factors evaluated in the literature and empirical research. Recommendations are of physical and legislative nature that are applied to the study area of George.