In South African cities, the subdivision of the social world and spaces which the public inhabits tends to manifest and reflect itself in the leisure choices that the public makes. It has been proven that leisure choices and experiences affect an individual's mental state and experience and in addition, they superimpose a long lasting structure onto human societies. Contemporary inner city housing developments are infested with antisocial challenges which are in the form of delinquency, alcohol abuse and drug trafficking. If such challenges go by unchecked, it may lead to a totally deteriorated society and environment. The aim of this dissertation is to explore the possibility of facilitating social and economic upliftment amongst inner city youth through provision of adequate and appropriate leisure facilities and spaces. From a planning and an architectural approach, the intention is to reveal how architecture may be used to alleviate the social ills that have infested the residential inner city. It is believed that architecture and the built environment should play a role in correcting, improving and echoing the ethics and values of its users such that there is a mutual harmony and coexistence. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This dissertation investigates the links between economic and spatial trends, with particular emphasis on office decentralisation in Durban. It focuses on globalisation and its effect on economic processes, how these have impacted on the spatial structure of cities, and whether the current changes in the economy and nature of work as opposed to environmental factors such as crime and grime, are causes of decentralising activity. This study looks at three case studies internationally, that of Glasgow, Rotterdam and Johannesburg, which give perspective on, not only the problems associated with the decline in manufacturing, but also how these cities have realigned themselves spatially into the new global economy. In the case of Johannesburg, the difficulties inherited from the apartheid era and the nature of urbanisation in the post-apartheid era are investigated, which have resulted in a fundamental restructuring of the Central Business District. Finally, the case of Durban, with particular emphasis on the area of La Lucia ridge to the north of the city is the focus area for research into office decentralisation, and the links between environmental and economic factors. The current restructuring of the CBD and its problems are highlighted, and the reasons for decentralising activity are explored in the light of the changing nature of work and the economy. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 2001.