M.Tech. (Architectural Technology). / The design of a transport interchange, as a catalyst for an integrated environment, economically viable, that allows people opportunities for self-realisation through a cohesive landscape of management, production and reproduction. The proposed investigation originates from the observation that public transport in Soweto is characterized by non-integrated routes amongst existing public transport role players amounting to increased travelling costs for commuters in transit. This is because of a lack of information Exchange amongst existing role players, inadequate employment opportunity and urban vitality within the township milieu. This dissertation will conceptualise a transport interchange as catalyst for an integrated environment, economically viable, to allow people opportunities for self-realisation through a cohesive landscape of management, production and reproduction (see Figure 1.39 pg 60). The project seeks to reverse conventional notions which associate transport buildings with crime, race and class differentiation. The aim of the study is to improve the efficiency of public transport infrastructure in the developing township of Jabulani, Soweto through the design of a transport interchange that contributes to the urban vitality of the Jabulani node. The study will investigate alternative means to further integrate transportation interchanges into communities by: (i) critically evaluating the traditional role of transport interchanges in the city as pragmatic spaces where people connect from one mode of public transport to another, and (ii) rethinking how transport interchanges can be used as a space for the exchange of ideas ultimately re-branding transport interchanges as social platforms that promote the exchange of information between people in transit.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development Planning, Johannesburg 2016 / The spatial transformation project in post-Apartheid South Africa aims to change the alienating urban form that resulted from planning policies based on racial segregation. Johannesburg’s municipal government aims to capitalise on its investment on the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), through the principles of Transit Oriented Development (TOD), to catalyse densification and diversification of land uses along the Rea Vaya’s corridors. This research sought to discover whether these objectives are being realised in Diepkloof and Orlando East, Soweto. In order to answer the research question, the results of a qualitative survey of people residing around these stations were analysed in conjunction with GIS data and records of Town Planning applications for properties located around BRT stations. The following findings emerged: the rate of densification has intensified but remains constrained mainly because of restricted access to finance; land-uses have remained the same but with increased activity levels. All spatial development strategies in the study area need to be aligned to the principles of TOD. This research hopes to achieve two things. Firstly, enrich the scarce literature on spatial transformation through transit investments, particularly the BRT in South African Townships. Secondly, guide spatial planning policies in similar contexts across the country / XL2018