5. Methodology
5.3. Analysis
The research for this study was based on inductive as well as deductive methods. A deductive approach, which involves working from the more general to the more specific, was used in the development of sustainability principles from various sources. An inductive approach, which involves working from specific observations to broader generalisations and theories, was thereafter used when working from observations of mega-projects to broader generalisations concerning urban regeneration and sustainability within the city of Durban (www.socialresearchmethods.net). An open approach was adopted in the analysis of the data when themes were allowed to emerge from the data rather than being constructed as a result of pre-determined ideas. A qualitative approach was used when conducting the interviews, examining sustainability principles and goals, policy and planning goals, and in assessing the sustainability of the various projects; based on relevant literature and the interviews which were conducted.
The two parallel agendas of urban regeneration and sustainability provided the framework for this study. The planning and policy goals of the city of Durban were therefore elicited from relevant policy and planning documents, such as the LTDF and the IDP, which govern the management of the city. This provided the context of urban regeneration in the city, and this was reflected on throughout the study.
At the same time, it was necessary to determine the various components of sustainability, and the critical underlying characteristics and principles comprising a sustainable city. This was achieved through the review of international literature, policy, reports, information gathered from the interviews, and personal ideas of the researcher. A set of principles which allowed for a comprehensive view of sustainability within cities was therefore developed, consisting of ecological, social, economic and governance components. This provided a broad view of sustainability, which allowed an effective consideration of the extent to which sustainability has been pursued in the chosen mega-projects.
The identification of mega-projects within Durban was thereafter required, as these served as a lens through which to view broader urban regeneration processes within the city. Three mega-projects were selected based on the definition of “mega-projects” which was used in this study. Each of them was in different stages of planning and construction in order to ensure diversity, as well as to allow for a broader picture of the development which is occurring in the city. These mega-projects were
considered crucial to the city’s future; and allowed the researcher to gain a view of the planning and urban regeneration strategies which are dominant in Durban. The projects which were chosen were:
1. The Moses Mabhida Stadium: A soccer stadium built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and thereafter to be used for various purposes.
2. The Point Development: A port redevelopment project started in 2003, consisting of residential, commercial and retail components.
3. The Warwick Mall: A proposed mall in the vicinity of the historical street trading hub of Warwick Junction.
Following the identification of the projects, it was necessary to obtain all relevant information concerning them, including their characteristics, their role in the city, and their planned future outcomes. This was achieved through the use of various sources; including relevant reports and planning documents in the city, a set of interviews with important stakeholders, newspaper articles concerning the projects, and the attendance of a workshop, movie screening and video presentation.
The policy and planning context of the city was then explored through the identification of the main discourses and planning goals which are evident in the city. These were elicited from the interviews, as well as from policy and planning documents. The planning landscape of the city was thereafter reflected on in terms of the incorporation of elements of urban regeneration and sustainability within the planning and policy documents of the city. A number of important themes which emerged through the research were then identified, primarily from the interviews which were conducted as well as secondary data sources and policy, concerning urban regeneration and development in Durban. This allowed for an exploration of urban regeneration strategies, particularly mega-projects and their characteristics, within the city.
The main facets of the mega-projects were subsequently assessed against the sustainable city principles, allowing for a determination of the extent to which the projects, as tools of urban regeneration, incorporate sustainable city principles.
These steps subsequently allowed for an examination of the relationship between sustainability and urban regeneration in the city of Durban. Diagram 5.1 provides an illustration of the process followed in the data collection and analysis of the study.
Figure 5.1: Process followed in the study
Urban regeneration: Policy and planning goals and strategies
• LTDF- Imagine Durban
• IDP
• SDF: CSDP
Sustainable city principles: ecological, social, economic and governance
Literature
• Policy
• Interviews
Identification of mega-projects:
• Moses Mabhida Stadium
• Point Development
• Warwick Mall
Information about mega-projects:
• Reports
• Interviews
• Newspaper articles/
media/ internet sources
Identification of main themes regarding urban regeneration, development and sustainability in Durban
Assessment of the extent to which the mega-projects incorporate sustainable city principles
Analysis of the relationship between urban regeneration and sustainability in the city
Identification of urban regeneration and sustainability elements in policy and planning documents