Spatial reactions to crime: fortressing or emancipation of public urban space? Potchefstroom as a case study

In both historical, as well as contemporary cities, it was and still is believed that the built environment can play an essential role in the protection of its inhabitants. Today, one of the major challenges facing urban planners, specially in South Africa, is to offer possible spacial solutions to prevent crime in cities. While the traditional city were enclosed by thick walls and incorporate the public spaces, the contemporary city is following a new kind of fortress mentality where various smaller urban spaces (in most cases residential areas), scattered throughout the city, are enclosed by physical barriers with the result of internal spaces, once public spaces, now being privatised. This concept of fortressing - known as 'gated communities' - is multiplying drastically in both metropolitan as well as small and medium sized South African cities. Apart from the responsibilty to address crime, urban planners are simultaneously faced here with other responsibilities (in the way they design the physical environment): efforts in reviving a dying public realm in cities and addressing the segregation of urban space, created by the previous political dogm, are some of the major challenges. In this regard the notion of 'gated communities' could spell doom to a possible safe and vibrant urban future. This paper questions the long term consequences of a fortress mentality on the well-being of the public realm of our cities and explore, by means of an analysis of 'gated communities' in Potchefstroom, possible compromises to be made

An exploration of social systems as informative for urban regeneration in Potchefstroom Central Business District

The future of cities undoubtedly spells change on many levels due to urban growth. One of the mechanisms used in cities to cope with change is urban regeneration. Urban regeneration has mainly been addressed through economic and planning policies geared towards physical renewal, with hardly any understanding or acknowledgment of the social dynamics underlying the physical process. Social dynamics are important to consider in urban regeneration, as they form the underlying driving forces of cities. However, little is known about these underlying forces. The aim of this research is to explore the role of social systems in the Central Business District of Potchefstroom. An ethnographical approach is used to guide the methodology, while qualitative methods (observations and interviews) are used to capture data about the social systems that are present in the study area, how these social systems interact with one another, and how they can be included in urban regeneration initiatives. The findings suggest the existence of three interactive social systems that reflect pro-social behaviour and cultural relativism which, in turn, create vitality in the study area. Social systems play a multi-levelled role in the study area. Their role can possibly inform urban regeneration by being proactive in terms of attracting new and maintaining existing social relationships; being creative in terms of adapting and changing the physical environment to address needs, and being supportive in order to unlock internal resources such as local knowledge, creativity, commitment, energy and ownership

Public participation in town-planning applications: Tlokwe Local Municipality as a case study

Although public participation is deemed important in South Africa, negative perceptions of its legitimacy are widely acknowledged. Inclusive town-planning processes, as instruments to address inequality, have a significant role in enhancing democracy. This article reports on a study done from a communicative planning perspective, with the aim to investigate the influence of public participation in town planning by means of an analysis of town-planning application procedures between 1992-2008 in the Tlokwe Local Municipality, North-West province, South Africa. The results indicate that only 6% of all commentary on planning applications consists of objections from the public. Technically motivated objections and town-planning firms had the most influence on planning outcomes. This seems to indicate reactive and consultative participation wherein the final decision resides with the local authority. It appears that public participation’s idealistic ‘feel good’ mask does not live up to the expectations of an empowered civil society

Exploring place-making in the Vredefort Dome, South Africa: A mixed-method approach

Any space – interior, exterior and landscapes – becomes a place to which people attach meaning. The process where by meaningful space or a sense of place is formed is rarely considered in developmental planning. This article argues for an interdisciplinary approach to the identification of different types of meaning attached to the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, and proposes a methodology for assessing these as an aid to sensitive development interventions in such precious places

The meaning of place-making in planning: historical overview and implications for urban and regional planning

In its course of development, urban and regional planning has been greatly influenced by the modernist movement, which left human environments with various problematic ecological and social conditions. In reaction to these conditions, alternative planning approaches branched from the planning profession, one of these being the development approach known as place-making. Place-making is the physical designing of a place based on locational contexts. Place-making is offered as an alternative planning approach to current planning practice to ameliorate and possibly prevent continuation of the problematic ecological and social conditions. However, this implies that there has to come about a shift in the focus and aims of current planning practice. The main implications of place-making are that planning should become more contextually driven, holistic, multidisciplinary, as well as human and quality centred. Also, it is proposed to increase research on place in the South African context.&nbsp

Assessing the integration between disaster risk reduction and urban and regional planning curricula at tertiary institutions in South Africa

Urban areas are increasingly being affected by more frequent and severe disasters. It has been argued in theory and international development policy that the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) within existing urban planning (UP) curricula would greatly benefit efforts to build resilient urban environments. However, the current status quo and progress of this crucial transdisciplinary integration in the South African University context remain unclear. Through the application of an exploratory mixed method research design, this article established that UP lecturers at South African universities have a good grasp of the theoretical need for the integration of DRR into existing curriculums and have also tentatively started to integrate DRR into some of their modules. However, because of challenges such as full curricula, financial and human resources constraints and integration predominantly happening on postgraduate level, integration has not occurred in sufficient depth while also missing the opportunity to expose the majority of the student cohort and future urban planners to much-needed DRR knowledge. Transdisciplinary contribution: This article illuminates the current status of integration across and collaboration between DRR and UP at selected South African Universities

Introduction: building the history of language learning and teaching (HoLLT)

The papers presented in this issue are the result of a workshop held at the University of Nottingham in December 2012 as part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council research network Towards a History of Modern Foreign Language Teaching and Learning (2012–14) intended to stimulate historical research into language teaching and learning. This, the first workshop in the programme, focused on exchanging information on the history of language learning and teaching (HoLLT) across the different language traditions, for it had become clear to us that scholars working within their own language disciplines were often relatively unaware of work outside these. We hope that this special issue — with overview articles on the history of English, French, German, and Spanish as second/foreign languages — will help overcome that lack of awareness and facilitate further research collaboration. Charting the history of language teaching and learning will, in turn, make us all better informed in facing challenges and changes to policy and practice now and in the future. It is instructive in the current climate, for example, to realize that grave doubts were held about whether second foreign languages could survive alongside French in British schools in the early twentieth century (McLelland, forthcoming), or to look back at earlier attempts to establish foreign languages in primary schools (Bayley, 1989; Burstall et al., 1974; Hoy, 1977). As we write, language learning in England is undergoing yet more radical change. Language teaching for all children from the age of seven is being made compulsory in primary schools from 2014, while at Key Stage 3 (up to age 16), where a foreign language has not been compulsory since 2002, the most recent programme of study for England has virtually abandoned the recent focus on intercultural competence and now requires learners to ‘read great literature in the original language’,1 a radical change in emphasis compared to the previous half-century, which seems to reflect a very different view of what language learning is for. We seem to be little closer in 2014 than we were at the dawn of the twentieth century to answering with any certainty the questions that lie at the very foundations of language teaching: who should learn a foreign language, why learners learn, what they need to learn, and what we want to teach them — answers that we need before we can consider how we want to teach. The research programme begun under our research network is intended to help us to take ‘the long view’ on such questions

The silent voice of sense of place in spatial planning: Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, South Africa

PhD (Town-and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusSense of place is widely acknowledged across multiple disciplines as an umbrella term for the interplay between the environment, person in the environment and the broader context that shape the interactions between these as well as the relationships that develop from these interactions. However, no universal definition for sense of place exists. In spatial planning scholarship, the topic has been theorised for more than sixty years. The root of the concept, as acknowledged in spatial planning, dates back to the ancient Roman mythological term genius loci, the Latin for spirit of place. The spirit of place has been loosely translated and accepted in spatial and design disciplines (e.g., architecture and urban design) as the unique character of a place that distinguishes it from other places. Character in this sense, is claimed by planners as residing in observable environmental properties (mostly visual). Numerous environment-based frameworks have been developed for planners to apply in different contexts to investigate a (singular) and mono-dimensional (environment-based) sense of place that can guide spatial development. However, sense of place is a complex and integrated concept that comprises multiple dimensions including implicit dimensions (e.g. experiences, emotions etc.) as well as spatially expressed dimensions (activities, buildings etc.). Implicit dimensions have remained under-explored in the context of spatial planning and not fully integrated due to a lack of the understanding of the relativistic nature of pluralised sense(s) of place that vary significantly across different spatial and temporal contexts. From the lack of an integrated understanding of these silent voices that have remained latent in spatial planning, three interrelated problems arose: a conceptual problem, relating to singular universal conceptions that are not flexible enough to allow for pluralised diverse sense(s) of place to be acknowledged; a methodological problem, relating to how to access and elicit implicit dimensions of sense(s) of place; and an applied practice-based problem relating to guidance on how to integrate multiple, overlapping implicit sense(s) of place in spatial planning. The novelty of the study is embedded in this limited guidance that exist for spatial planners on how to access, elicit and integrate implicit sense(s) of place, especially from perspectives from the global South. Most existing sense(s) of place theories have been developed outside the context of the global South while extremely limited research exists in Africa and in South Africa from where contextual insights have been developed about sense(s) of place. The research question that guided the study is “How can spatial planners access, elicit and integrate the multiple dimensions of sense(s) of place that emerge from participants’ interactions with a rural landscape in VDWHS in South Africa, into spatial planning?” It is against this background of a lack of contextual insights about implicit sense(s) of place, especially in rural landscapes in developing countries (where there exists extreme pressure for development and people-environment interactions and relationships - are volatile) that this research has been conceptualised. The study reflects on an in-depth qualitative investigation of implicit sense(s) of place by means of a singular intrinsic, retroductive case study design of people-environment interactions on the farm Kromdraai, a rural landscape in Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site in South Africa. From a critical realists’ ontological position, it was possible to move beyond the mere descriptive to generate contextual insights about implicit sense(s) of place and to interpret these for spatial planning purposes. The inclusion of a pragmatist position as a supplementary ontological stance allowed for the crossing of disciplinary boundaries to include a variety of exogenous and endogenous theoretical frameworks (a communicative planning theory spatial planning lens, sense(s) of place theories from different disciplines and people-environment meta-theories, social theories, psychology theories and interdisciplinary theories). Also, pragmatism allowed for the selection of and combined use of various inclusive participatory methods (interviews and focus groups) as well as different data generation tools (visual tools in this instance that included photographs and collages). The data that was analised included 256 pages of verbatim transcriptions (obtained from face-to-face interviews of between 60-90 minutes with 22 purposefully selected participants), 270 photographs and four visual images (layout plans and collages) that were generated from focus groups. The empirical part of the thesis are presented in three interrelated research papers on different spatial planning thinking levels, each addressing one of three interrelated research problems namely a conceptual problem, methodological problem and applied practice based problem. The first paper (substantive level) focuses on the dimensions and nature of sense(s) of place dimensions and uses principles of grounded theory in order to develop a more nuanced conception of sense(s) of place in spatial planning. The second paper (procedural level) focuses on the use of Visual Participatory Research as methodology in order to access and elicit implicit sense(s) of place for spatial planning purposes. The third paper (applied practice-based level) illustrates how implicit sense(s) of place can be translated to concrete spatial expressions in order to integrate them in spatial planning guidelines for development. Factual, interpretive and conceptual conclusions are drawn from the empirical findings in the thesis where after a suggested flexible framework is suggested for spatial planners in order to develop an integrated understanding of sense(s) of place and to provide guidance on how planners can access, elicit and integrate (implicit) dimensions of sense(s) of place in spatial planning – dimensions that have remained under explored silent voices in spatial planning up until now.Doctora

The silent voice of sense of place in spatial planning : Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, South Africa

PhD (Town-and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusSense of place is widely acknowledged across multiple disciplines as an umbrella term for the interplay between the environment, person in the environment and the broader context that shape the interactions between these as well as the relationships that develop from these interactions. However, no universal definition for sense of place exists. In spatial planning scholarship, the topic has been theorised for more than sixty years. The root of the concept, as acknowledged in spatial planning, dates back to the ancient Roman mythological term genius loci, the Latin for spirit of place. The spirit of place has been loosely translated and accepted in spatial and design disciplines (e.g., architecture and urban design) as the unique character of a place that distinguishes it from other places. Character in this sense, is claimed by planners as residing in observable environmental properties (mostly visual). Numerous environment-based frameworks have been developed for planners to apply in different contexts to investigate a (singular) and mono-dimensional (environment-based) sense of place that can guide spatial development. However, sense of place is a complex and integrated concept that comprises multiple dimensions including implicit dimensions (e.g. experiences, emotions etc.) as well as spatially expressed dimensions (activities, buildings etc.). Implicit dimensions have remained under-explored in the context of spatial planning and not fully integrated due to a lack of the understanding of the relativistic nature of pluralised sense(s) of place that vary significantly across different spatial and temporal contexts. From the lack of an integrated understanding of these silent voices that have remained latent in spatial planning, three interrelated problems arose: a conceptual problem, relating to singular universal conceptions that are not flexible enough to allow for pluralised diverse sense(s) of place to be acknowledged; a methodological problem, relating to how to access and elicit implicit dimensions of sense(s) of place; and an applied practice-based problem relating to guidance on how to integrate multiple, overlapping implicit sense(s) of place in spatial planning. The novelty of the study is embedded in this limited guidance that exist for spatial planners on how to access, elicit and integrate implicit sense(s) of place, especially from perspectives from the global South. Most existing sense(s) of place theories have been developed outside the context of the global South while extremely limited research exists in Africa and in South Africa from where contextual insights have been developed about sense(s) of place. The research question that guided the study is “How can spatial planners access, elicit and integrate the multiple dimensions of sense(s) of place that emerge from participants’ interactions with a rural landscape in VDWHS in South Africa, into spatial planning?” It is against this background of a lack of contextual insights about implicit sense(s) of place, especially in rural landscapes in developing countries (where there exists extreme pressure for development and people-environment interactions and relationships - are volatile) that this research has been conceptualised. The study reflects on an in-depth qualitative investigation of implicit sense(s) of place by means of a singular intrinsic, retroductive case study design of people-environment interactions on the farm Kromdraai, a rural landscape in Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site in South Africa. From a critical realists’ ontological position, it was possible to move beyond the mere descriptive to generate contextual insights about implicit sense(s) of place and to interpret these for spatial planning purposes. The inclusion of a pragmatist position as a supplementary ontological stance allowed for the crossing of disciplinary boundaries to include a variety of exogenous and endogenous theoretical frameworks (a communicative planning theory spatial planning lens, sense(s) of place theories from different disciplines and people-environment meta-theories, social theories, psychology theories and interdisciplinary theories). Also, pragmatism allowed for the selection of and combined use of various inclusive participatory methods (interviews and focus groups) as well as different data generation tools (visual tools in this instance that included photographs and collages). The data that was analised included 256 pages of verbatim transcriptions (obtained from face-to-face interviews of between 60-90 minutes with 22 purposefully selected participants), 270 photographs and four visual images (layout plans and collages) that were generated from focus groups. The empirical part of the thesis are presented in three interrelated research papers on different spatial planning thinking levels, each addressing one of three interrelated research problems namely a conceptual problem, methodological problem and applied practice based problem. The first paper (substantive level) focuses on the dimensions and nature of sense(s) of place dimensions and uses principles of grounded theory in order to develop a more nuanced conception of sense(s) of place in spatial planning. The second paper (procedural level) focuses on the use of Visual Participatory Research as methodology in order to access and elicit implicit sense(s) of place for spatial planning purposes. The third paper (applied practice-based level) illustrates how implicit sense(s) of place can be translated to concrete spatial expressions in order to integrate them in spatial planning guidelines for development. Factual, interpretive and conceptual conclusions are drawn from the empirical findings in the thesis where after a suggested flexible framework is suggested for spatial planners in order to develop an integrated understanding of sense(s) of place and to provide guidance on how planners can access, elicit and integrate (implicit) dimensions of sense(s) of place in spatial planning – dimensions that have remained under explored silent voices in spatial planning up until now.Doctora

‘n Verkenning van sosiale sisteme as insiggewend vir stedelike vernuwing in Potchefstroom se Sentrale Sakekern

The future of cities undoubtedly spells change on many levels due to urban growth. One of the mechanisms used in cities to cope with change is urban regeneration. Urban regeneration has mainly been addressed through economic and planning policies geared towards physical renewal, with hardly any understanding or acknowledgment of the social dynamics underlying the physical process. Social dynamics are important to consider in urban regeneration, as they form the underlying driving forces of cities. However, little is known about these underlying forces. The aim of this research is to explore the role of social systems in the Central Business District of Potchefstroom. An ethnographical approach is used to guide the methodology, while qualitative methods (observations and interviews) are used to capture data about the social systems that are present in the study area, how these social systems interact with one another, and how they can be included in urban regeneration initiatives. The findings suggest the existence of three interactive social systems that reflect pro-social behaviour and cultural relativism which, in turn, create vitality in the study area. Social systems play a multi-levelled role in the study area. Their role can possibly inform urban regeneration by being proactive in terms of attracting new and maintaining existing social relationships; being creative in terms of adapting and changing the physical environment to address needs, and being supportive in order to unlock internal resources such as local knowledge, creativity, commitment, energy and ownershipDie toekoms van stede voorspel ongetwyfeld veranderings op vele vlakke as gevolg van verwagte stedelike groei. Een van die meganismes wat aangewend word in stede ten einde veranderings te kan hanteer, is stedelike regenerasie. Stedelike regenerasie is in die verlede hoofsaaklik aangespreek deur ekonomiese en beplanningsbeleide wat gerig was op fisiese hernuwing, met min begrip of inagneming van die sosiale dinamiek wat die proses onderlê. Sosiale dinamika is belangrik om te oorweeg in stedelike regenerasie omrede dit die onderliggende dryfkrag van stede is. Min kennis is egter beskikbaar aangaande hierdie onderliggende kragte. Die doel van hierdie navorsing is om ondersoek in te stel na die rol van sosiale sisteme in die Sentrale Sakekern van Potchefstroom. ‘n Etnografiese benadering is gebruik om die metodiek te rig, terwyl kwalitatiewe metodes (waarnemings en onderhoude) gebruik is om data te versamel aangaande die sosiale sisteme wat teenwoordig is in die studiegebied, die aard van die interaksie tussen hierdie sosiale sisteme en hoe die sisteme in stedelike regenerasie ingesluit kan word. Die bevindinge dui op die teenwoordigheid van drie interafhanklike sosiale sisteme wat pro-sosiale gedrag en kulturele relativisme reflekteer wat vitaliteit in die stedelike ruimte meebring. Sosiale sisteme speel ‘n veelvlakkige rol in die studiegebied. Dit kan stedelike regenerasie moontlik rig in terme van die pro-aktiewe rol in die lok van nuwe sosiale interaksie en die behoud van bestaande sosiale interaksie, die kreatiewe rol in die aanpassing en verandering van die fisiese omgewing ten einde behoeftes aan te spreek en ‘n ondersteunende rol ten einde hulpbronne soos plaaslike kennis, kreatiwiteit, verbondenheid, energie en eienaarskap te ontslui