The impact that urban green spaces in urban environments have on the sustainability and
quality of life of the residents is phenomenal (Atiqul & Shah, 2011:601; UrbSpace, 2010; Levent
et al, 2004:1). The local reality in South Africa confirms that green spaces in urban
environments are decreasing because of growing populations and increasing urbanization
(Statistics South Africa, 2013:2). This study aims to investigate the planning of and provision for
green spaces in the urban environment, along with the benefits that such spaces can provide to
communities by focusing on the aspect of child-friendliness. The planning of child-friendly
spaces is no new phenomena in the international context, but however, limited in local context.
This research aims to investigate the concept of child-friendly spaces, along with theoretical
aspects and international best practices, in order to be able to evaluate the current South
African approach (and legislative support) of the planning of such spaces within urban green
spaces.
This study evaluated the planning and implementation of child-friendly spaces in the urban
environment of the city of Durban, Republic of South Africa. It is based on the theoretical
background investigating concepts such as open spaces, green spaces and child-friendly
spaces. The importance of planning for green spaces and as such, child-friendly green spaces
were also elaborated on. Two international case studies were identified as best-practice cases
and included in this research, namely Mullerpier child-friendly public playground in Rotterdam,
the Netherlands, and Kadidjiny Park in Melville, Australia. The aim was to determine how these
child-friendly spaces were planned and developed and to identify tools that were used to
accomplish the goal of providing successful child-friendly green spaces. Planning approaches of
the two international case studies illustrated the need and importance of planning for such
spaces and how it should be implemented to ensure sustainability of the child-friendly space
itself and the surrounding area. The policies and frameworks which influence the study area in
Essenwood, Durban, were identified and analysed in order to establish whether or not the
planning and development of child-friendly spaces is supported within the chosen area.
This research concluded that child-friendly green spaces have a positive impact on the urban
environment, caters for children’s needs and assist in their development and interaction with the
natural environment. The need for these spaces is of utmost importance and the proposed
implementation and improvement of child-friendly green spaces should be supported by way of
specific policies and legislation, in order to ensure the success and sustainability of these
spaces. Examples of international case studies were used to identify best practical examples, in
order to formulate recommendations to improve the planning and development of child-friendly
spaces in South Africa. Local gaps were identified in the current approach to planning of these
child-friendly green spaces in South Africa. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/15248 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Goosen, Zhan |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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