As it stands, the city of Durban appears to contain many public urban spaces that are currently underutilized, and as a result have become dead or lost to the city. The aim of this project is to investigate the likely factors behind this problem, and then subsequently to explore the realm of music as a potentially new dimension towards facilitating revitalization within such spaces. The argument unfolds such that as music possesses the capacity to influence human emotion, and emotion impacts on one's feeling, and in turn perception of the experience, they incur within a space, theoretically therefore, at a certain level, human perception of a space can be manipulated by music. As architecture is the key to shaping the physical environment and the experiences within it, incorporating the influencing factors of music within architectural design, could assist in redefining the perceived properties of a correspondingly designed space. Thus an integration of music and architecture can serve as a combined medium through which dead urban space within the city may be revitalized. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

The deterioration of the Central Business Distict (CBD) cities worldwide is a problem which has been extensively documented. As upmarket shops and offices have located to more attractive shopping centres and office parks in decentralised locations, the economic turnover of central city areas has decreased. This has resulted in impaired maintenance and a subsequent deterioration of the visual quality of these areas. Various approaches towards improving the public infrastructure, pedestrian environment, visual appeal and economic value of Central Business Districts (CBD's) have been taken in different countries. They include full pedestrianisation of CBD streets, traffic calming measures, general physical improvements to the public realm such as new street furniture and street surfacing, new public transportation systems and new municipal by-laws, to regulate the behaviour of CBD users. The CBD's of cities in South Africa have suffered a similar fate to a greater or lesser extent. Of particular significance in the South African context, is the increasing presence of informal traders along street sidewalks in the CBD. The CBD is also used by an increasing number of pedestrians. In the case of Durban, a combination of uncontrolled street trading and increased pedestrian movement has lead to a situation of congestion on many CBD street sidewalks. In addition, ill-disciplined taxi and bus drivers have contributed to traffic congestion. This is detrimental for registered street traders, formal retailers, pedestrians, motorists and future investors in the CBD. The aim of this dissertation is to examine and evaluate the West Street Pilot Project in Durban, as a means of revitalising a section of its CBD, and solving the above mentioned problems. The West Street Pilot Project (WSPP) has attempted to ease pedestrian flow by widening the sidewalks and creating nibs or "nodes" for the purpose of street trading. Certain of these nodes have been formed at pedestrian crossings, shortening the crossing distance. It has attempted to improve the aesthetic appeal of the street, by introducing new planting and street furniture and making this part of the CBD hard core more "user-friendly". / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2003.

This study is an investigation of the constraints and opportunities in the implementation of the Slums Clearance Programme in the Ethekwini Metropolitan Area (EMA). It embraces a case study method and, as such, uses Quarry Road West Informal Settlement, Welbadagt West and Urnzomuhle Parkgate Relocation Areas. Furthermore, the study has an endeavour to uncover the factors that influence the formation and increase of informal settlements within the city. To realise this fundamental objective, questionnaire surveys (including socioeconomic information) of the beneficiaries and interviews with the Metro Council Officials and others were employed in areas used as case studies to gather as much data as possible regarding the constraints and opportunities of this programme. It has become explicitly clear, moreover, that the majority of people living in the three case studies came from areas outside Durban for employment opportunities. Due to the fact that they were unemployed at the time of this research project and were still looking for jobs, they stated that they had no option but to live in the informal settlements closer to the city to minimise travelling costs. Apparently, some of these informal settlements are located closer to high-risk areas such as flood lines, dumping sites and so on, as a consequence of this, the National Department of Housing in conjunction with the Ethekwini Municipality (Metro Housing Department), are in the process of implementing the Slums Clearance Programme in order, according these bodies to respond to such situation. The Slums Clearance Programme, which basically involves upgrading and relocating the affected informal settlements, is analysed in the light of the past and contemporary experiences within the context of developing countries to broaden the horizons of this project. A relevant theoretical framework and literature review is presented as a support for the study and to put it in a relevant perspective. The results based on the hypothesis indicate that although the Slums Clearance Programme is in deed, at face value, an appropriate response to dealing with the affected informal settlements, it fails to meet the basic needs of the beneficiaries. Such basic needs include, among other things, access to employment opportunities, access to public facilities such as health care, education and others. One of the recommendations highlighted in this study is that holistic development approach should be emphasised to avoid the marginalisation of the project beneficiaries. In conclusion, some of the major challenges when implementing the programme have been mentioned, which include among other things, beneficiaries high unemployment rate, excessive distances between areas of economic opportunities and places of residence and lack of holistic development approach in the implementation of the programme. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 1997.

The degeneration and decay of urban areas is a result of a combination of factors that lead to the downward spiraling of the performance of the economy concerned, the quality of life of citizens residing in the area, a lack of investor confidence, and environmental degradation and vice versa. The purpose of this study was to determine if South Beach, Durban, is blighted, what the causes of blight in the area are, how the existing blight can be eliminated and if it requires an urban renewal intervention. Through various methods, such as mapping, observation studies, questionnaire surveys, and interviews, it was determined that certain areas of South Beach are in a state of economic, physical and social decline. The decay of the case study area is occurring in pockets, with a greater concentration on Point Road. The decay of the region is due to a culmination of contributive elements that are slowly leading towards a blighted neighbourhood. Forms of blight that have been noted in the case study area are physical, functional, frictional and economic. This is partially because land-uses are incompatible, there are several vacant sites and empty buildings, the area lacks green spaces, and there are also several irregular-shaped sites. Other factors contributing to the blight of the area are the land-uses of South Beach, which are not in keeping with what was the original intent, i.e. what the area was zoned for. This has also given rise to blight in the case study area. South Beach's deterioration and urban decay is due to many factors, including poor maintenance and the mismanagement of buildings, poor co-ordination between key role-players and stakeholders, a lack of urban management, unsafe areas, and a lack of the private sectors' contribution. In order to reduce the spread of the various forms of blight evident in the area, the South Beach case study area requires an urban renewal intervention. Urban renewal of the area is required to attract investment; to create an environment that is aesthetically simiiar to, and works in conjunction with the new uShaka Island and Marine Theme Park, attractions at North Beach, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World; and to position itself as an active role-player within the Golden Triangle of Suncoast, uShaka Island and the International Convention Centre. Recommended methods of renewal are aimed at sustainability and the rehabilitation, conservation, and revitalisation of the area. There is a need to collaborate strongly with the private sector in order to renew South Beach. The collaboration will increase the confidence levels of both domestic, as well as foreign investors. Other recommendations for the sustainable urban renewal of South Beach include the proper urban management of the case study area, management of the buildings, incentives provision to the respective stakeholders, and ongoing public participation processes. By-laws also need to be passed to ensure that the area is properly renewed and that it will be sustainable over the long-term. South Beach does require an urban renewal intervention in certain areas that will address the physical, social and economic spheres of the case study area. In order for the area to be renewed in a sustainable, transparent and equitable manner, all stakeholders must be equally represented and their views taken into account in the planning, implementation and monitoring phases of the renewal of South Beach. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

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.

This study documents the emergence of an Indian cultural enclave located on the periphery of the colonial town of Durban, its subsequent rise to a flourishing communal space by the mid twentieth century, and its decline in the apartheid era. The focus on change and transformation locates the research question within the broad ambit of historical geography. Clairwood and District grew into a densely-populated informal living space with all facilities and institutions built by the community. Based on a cultural inheritance in the form of language, the extended family system and religious beliefs , the Indian settlers and their descendants developed an elaborate network of kinship and communal relationships which formed the moral and social framework for the process of communal space construction. Entering the colony of Natal predominantly as indentured labour, the Indians were from the outset ostracized and subjugated by the white settlers and perceived as an alien temporary group. This identity was henceforth embodied in discriminatory legislation which marginalized the Indians in South Africa and resulted in their neglect and spatial containment. Parallel to the organic process of Indian communal space construction occurring in southern Durban was the sustained policy of land-use transformation embarked upon by the Durban municipality. The goal of this policy was to create a 'productive zone' south of Durban within an explicit racial zoning plan. The application of this goal resulted in a clash between the dominant white culture and the subordinate Indian culture as each.sought to retain control of the southern corridor and define its land-use and identity. After a protracted struggle the Durban municipality succeeded in imposing a formal industrial landscape upon the communal living space with the exception of the small node in Clairwood itself which has remained a residential enclave. This vestige of the former flourishing residential area of Clairwood and District suffers from industrial penetration and a physically degraded environment. However, it retains a sense of place of the former vibrant community. Clairwood is currently undergoing a process of revitalization under the auspices of the Durban municipality with a subsequent redefinition of identity. The study documents the cultural meanings that have been produced in a unique urban landscape in a South African city revealing the need to uncover the historical geographies of minority groups as a source of identity and a resource for future urban reconstruction. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, 1994.

Governance is defined here as the process of decision-making and implementation. Public participation which leads on from good governance is a process leading to a joint effort by stakeholders, technical specialists, the authorities and the developing agent who work together to produce better decisions than if they had acted independently. Environmental decision-making and environmental partnerships go hand in hand in the sense that good environmental decision-making can only take place if sustainable environmental partnerships are formed. This thesis focuses on the case study of the Warwick Junction Urban Renewal Programme as an example of an area based management development project in the eThekwini Municipality. Warwick Junction is a vibrant trading and transport node in the heart of the city. The area is complex in terms of its biophysical, societal, economic and political structures. The purpose of the implementation of an Urban Renewal Program in July 1996 in Warwick Junction was to uplift and upgrade this inner city area so as to provide an improved trading and residential environment. A large number of projects that fall under this renewal programme have been completed. Community involvement in these projects has been implemented via community representation on a steering committee. It is proposed that a process of good governance is necessary to integrate sustainability into all spheres of development. The aim of this research therefore is to assess the decision-making processes for a number of environmental projects in Warwick Junction. The following projects that have already been completed will be the focus of this study: The Warwick Triangle Playground, Herb Traders Market, Bovine Head Cookers facility, Mealie Cookers Facility and the Badsha Peer Project. Theories of urban governance, public participation, environmental decision-making and environmental partnerships under the broader framework of sustainability, form the conceptual framework for this study. A qualitative approach has been employed in this research. Primary data has been derived from focus groups and open-ended interviews. A set of social sustainability indicators that was derived from the theoretical framework was used to determine the most successful project. Results show that the Mealie Cookers Project displayed all the characteristics of good urban governance. It is also considered to be a sustainable project because as part of its commitment to the urban renewal programme it has balanced the social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations in Warwick Junction. This was the most successful project out of the five projects as it ranked very high on the social sustainability indicator table followed by the Muthi Traders market, the Badsha Peer Shelter, the Playground Facility and lastly the Bovine Head Cookers facility. The Muthi Market ranked as high as the Mealie Cookers Project on the social sustainability indicator table. This is due to adequate participation with affected communities which allowed them to contribute towards the decision-making process. The strength of the Badsha Peer Shelter Project lies in the good governance and good environmental decisions being taken, win-win partnerships and overall empowerment of stakeholders. The Playground Facility brought with it many political tensions as there were two civic associations that were at loggerheads with each other surrounding the whole project. The strength of this project lies in its transformative participation as the affected communities ideas were used to decide on the location of the park. There were also many political tensions among the Bovine Head Cookers. As a result of the cookers belonging to different political parties, an issue of territory was brought to the surface. Due to serious conflict between cookers and the renewal team, this project has taken three years to implement. It is thus considered to be the most unsuccessful project out of the five projects researched. It is therefore evident that three out of the five projects have been successful, displaying appropriate environmental governance. The results indicate that the environmental decision-making mechanisms that have been employed by the urban renewal team have been transformative in the sense that they not only give a voice to the communities, but also have empowered them in the process. Adequate public participation has also contributed to the success of the programme along with win-win types of partnerships that have formed. It is therefore concluded that the urban renewal decision-making mechanisms implemented in the Warwick Junction have contributed to the sustainability of the development programme. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2004.