CHAPTER 4: THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
4.3 REGENERATING AN OLD INDUSTRIAL AREA IN THE CITY THROUGH THE PRINCIPLES OF
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4.3 REGENERATING AN OLD INDUSTRIAL AREA IN THE CITY THROUGH THE PRINCIPLES OF
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advantage of comfortable transportation as those who live nearer to central locations or those within the suburbs that are better off. This is where the theory of New Urbanism relates to the idea of the
convenience for all by adopting principles which cater for the needs of society as a whole.
(Sackey, C. 2009:15)
New Urbanism does not just focus on a specific building but looks at the city as a whole and the way in which everything is integrated to form a successful neighbourhood. The perception of an area is therefore important as this informs the decision of the individual whether to re side there (Solomon, D. 1992:46).
New Urbanism follows principles, according to the Charter of New Urbanism 1993, which form the integral part of an attempt to better city life and counteract negative effects such as sprawl and how the city is currently viewed by many (unsafe, areas of abandonment and wasted spaces). The following are some of the principles adopted.
A noticeable centre: This would be a distinct area which allows for one to remember the area in which the building or development stands. There should ideally also be a transit stop found at this centre (Sackey, C. 2009:15).
Walkability: The creation of a mixed use building or development allows for the reduction of motor vehicle use. An area in which everything is close by promotes, that being within approximately 0.4km from the discernible centre, walkable spaces which is one of the more important principles within new urbanism. It is clear to see that reduced traffic and congestion minimises any issues relative to personal problems or pollution. There is more of an awareness and interaction of people with each other and the environment (Sharkey, D.M. 2012: 32- 33 etal. Sackey, C. 2009:15).
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Figure 4.1: indicating walkability of amenities. New Urbanism looks to areas close by to all amenities and public transport to encourage walkability and social integration.(Source: www.embarq.com. Accessed 14 May 2017)
Connectivity: By allowing options in terms of the way in which one travels by foot or vehicle, there is a dispersement of traffic. In addition, people are able to be linked and interconnected in an interesting fashion, whereby walking becomes sort of an adventure and is thereby favoured over driving. There is also a pleasantness created by the inclusion of trees which frame street views and diminish the harshness of the city image where people are now more inclined to walk and cycle as traffic is not a major issue anymore (Sharkey, D.M. 2012:32- 33 etal. Sackey, C.2009:16).
Density and diversity: With buildings that accommodate various functions, uses and income brackets comes a diverse range of people (which ranges fin age, gender, race and so forth).
This just makes for a more interesting neighbourhood which is not inclusive of one particular race or income bracket but rather a more tolerant and together community allowing for different socio economic classes to co-exist .This diversity thereby brings along density and a natural surveillance in terms of people always being around thereby creating safer places in which to
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live and reinforcing the idea of the building or site used to its maximum potential (Sharkey, D.M.2012:32- 33 etal. Sackey, C.2009:15).
Figure 4.2: indicating diversity of activities within a neighbourhood as well as various public spaces.
(Source: www.embarq.com. Accessed 14 May 2017)
Smart Transit: By narrowing streets and creating more pedestrian friendly spaces, traffic begins to slow down and the environment is more conducive for walking and cycling. In a
neighbourhood where buildings are compact and amenities are closer by, this is an ideal scenario. There will be good public transport close by such as the use of trains, buses and taxis. However, the congestion will be reduced not only due to reduced automobiles but having work, living and recreational spaces all in close proximity to one another.
Planning and position of uses within the buildings: An outdoor room for trade can now be created by the positioning of the buildings closer to the street. This allows for interaction of the building with the people and the pavement and does not create a harsh end to the building itself. Parking on the other hand does not have any focus as the idea is to create more walkable areas. Therefore the parking of automobile are located more to the re ar of the buildings (Sackey, C. 2009:16).
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Sustainability: In practice of the above, the idea of sustainability then becomes clearer as the carbon footprint is now reduced (Sharkey, D.M.2012:33). One also needs to take into consideration the idea of restricting existing areas and buildings so that they sustain themselves though the way in which they exist. Not just merely existing but a cycle of one function feeding of another. This is particularly important in of New Urbanism as the theory works as an integrated whole (Sackey, C. 2009:16).
Jane Jacobs, in an interview with Reason Magazine, on the other hand does not feel that the principles allow for any connection. New Urbanism looks at a linking and creation of a community with centres in which people are familiar. However to Jacobs, once developers put this to action or on plan, the result is different. The centres become more impersonal (Steigerwald, B. 2001). However, if implemented properly, these principles can greatly assist in the creation of new ne ighbourhoods or the revitalisation of existing areas. The centres need to have a heart to it and be something which also provides the community with some sort of identity. When integrated one is able to see the benefits of creating mixed use spaces and allowing for easy access to areas without the inconvenience of having to travel long distances and the negative connotations that come with it (Sackey, C. 2009:16).
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4.4 SUSTAINING THE PROPOSED INTERVENTION AND THE WORKING COMMUTER THROUGH