This study examined the influence of gated communities on the pursuit of sustainable urbanism in the municipality of eThekwini, using Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate as a case study. The sub-objectives highlighted the key components of sustainable urbanism and gated communities in the South African context.
Introduction
Background to Research Problem
Gated communities challenge these efforts through their promotion of fragmentation, low-density sprawl, and segregation (Landman, 2000). There have been no attempts to address these issues; therefore, there is a need to understand gated communities' impact on the pursuit of sustainable urbanism.
Statement of the problem
Case study: Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate
One such security village that consumes resources within and beyond its borders in eThekwini is the Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate (MECCE), located on the outskirts of the uMhlanga region. In the 1980s, the Country Club evolved into the gated community known today as MECCE.
Objectives
Aim/ Principal objective
Hypothesis
Questions to be asked
Subsidiary questions
Definition of key terms
Structure of dissertation
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature review and theoretical framework
- Chapter 3: Conceptual framework and Precedent studies
- Chapter 4: Research Methodology and Case Study
- Chapter 5: Findings and analysis
- Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations
It contains information about the case study and why this case study was chosen. The data is analyzed to evaluate and assess the case study based on principles of sustainable urbanism.
Limitations
The fifth chapter presents the data analysis and findings of the study, as well as international and local precedents. Chapter six presents the conclusion of the study and makes recommendations on how best to address the impact of gated communities.
Conclusion
Page | 7 study uses MECCE, a security village in eThekwini Municipality, as a case study to determine the influence of such development on sustainable urbanism. Chapter one laid the foundation by presenting the background for the research, and the research objectives and questions as well as the hypothesis.
Introduction
A perspective of gated communities
History and emergence of gated communities
Page | Chapter 10 examines gated communities during the colonial period, the apartheid era and the post-apartheid period. Page | 12 The main reason for the mushrooming of gated communities in the post-apartheid era is insecurity and the fear of crime and the unknown (Landman, 2000; Landman, 2004; Jurgens and Landman, 2006), fueled by social change (Seekings, 2010). ).
Defining gated communities
For the purposes of this study, it is also important to discuss gated communities in the South African context. It is therefore important to establish how the functionality of gated communities affects sustainable urbanism.
Defining attributes: Gated communities as an urban built form
While there are different types of gated communities in South Africa, the two main types are gated communities and security villages (Landman, 2004). As an urban built form, various types of gated communities require large tracts of land to develop residential areas for a specific group of people (Blandy, 2007).
Gated communities and urban sustainability
- Sustainability: Smart Growth (Compactness) and gated communities
- Sustainability: New urbanism (Walkability and mixed use) and gated communities
- Sustainability: Place making and gated communities
- Urban sustainability and gated communities
- Summary
Page | 20 Landman (2004) and Le Goix and Webster (2006) acknowledge that fenced settlements affect the sustainability of cities. However, the effect of prevailing assumptions of gated communities on some principles of sustainable urbanism has been independently observed.
Sustainable urbanism in theory
Defining urbanism
While there is a rich literature on the sustainability of gated communities, the impact of these communities on sustainable urbanism as a form-based means of achieving sustainability is less explored. Therefore, the study provides an in-depth examination of the impact of gated communities on the pursuit of sustainable urbanism in the eThekwini Municipality, while highlighting the benefits of sustainable urbanism as a form-based concept.
Historical development of sustainable urbanism
Krier (1979) emphasizes the importance of recognizing the context in which urbanism is perceived; this should not be limited to one building but should include streets and urban spaces. Therefore, urbanism from a planning perspective would focus on the built form and structure of urban areas and how they interact with urban residents, which would predetermine sustainable urbanism.
Defining sustainable urbanism
Newman and Beatley, 2008), sustainable urbanism in its fullest form is seen as compactness and increased density of buildings; creating urban environments that enable and encourage walking and cycling, as well as mixed uses; more investment in public transport and transportation; creating systems that promote a self-sustaining agricultural system – localized food production, goods and materials; increased investment in sustainable and renewable and passive technologies integrated into the built form (examples include solar, wind and rainwater); and solar energy design using the best modern materials such as steel and glass, allowing buildings to be filled with daylight. 2010) suggest that a more recent and integrated perception of sustainable urbanism is a means to sustainability that takes into account the social, economic and environmental aspects of urban development. Sustainable urbanism is formulated based on the key concepts that define its characteristics, principles and thresholds (Farr, 2008).
Conclusion
Introduction
Sustainability: Sustainable urbanism in perspective
In the light of sustainable urbanism, social sustainability takes into account an appropriate mix of housing with different ownership rights, sizes and types, as well as a variety of recreational and community facilities, including service providers and commercial enterprises (Ejigu and Haas, 2011). Economic sustainability is also achievable through the establishment of mixed-use developments, which complement the commercial example of sustainable urbanism (Birkeland, 2002).
Sustainable urbanism: urban design with nature
- Environmental conscience of sustainable urbanism: Smart Growth
- Sustainability’s urban design movement: Congress of the new urbanism
- Green Building Movement
- The grand unification of sustainable urbanism
Smart Growth and the Green Building Movement (including biophilia) summarize the environmental perspective on sustainable urbanism. It is therefore important to briefly describe these concepts and their contribution to the definition of sustainable urbanism.
Measuring sustainable urbanism: emerging thresholds and principles
Biophilic design is a result of the Green Building Movement that aims to ensure that buildings function as sustainable ecological systems. Integrated Design is an important part of the Green Building Movement; it views a building's performance as a comprehensive system.
Sustainable Neighbourhoods
Indicators of sustainable urbanism using gated communities as an urban built form
Summary
International and local precedents of sustainable urbanism
- United States of America (Built infill): Glenwood Park Atlanta, Georgia
- England (Built Greenfield): Poundbury, Dorchester
- Local precedent: Century City, Cape Town, South Africa
- Summary
Century City is one of Cape Town's commercial hubs, located along the primary distributor (N1). With regard to sustainable urban design features, Century City has mixed-use development, an open space system, efficient stormwater systems, illustrated densification, walkable streets and networks, public transportation systems, and a biodiversity corridor.
Sustainable urbanism in South Africa: eThekwini Municipality’s policy framework
Integrated Development
Spatial integration refers to "the integration of previously disadvantaged areas with the best parts of the city, as well as areas of greater social and economic opportunity" (Landman. In the context of sustainable urbanism, integrated development advocates for mixed - uses development ensuring that it is in sync with the environment.
Sustainable cities and sustainable development
The characteristics of D'MOSS clearly reflect some of the key considerations of sustainable urbanism mentioned above. Sustainable urban principles require development to take into account the conservation of the natural environment, as well as integration with existing ecological systems, which is evident in the NEMA.
Conclusion
Therefore, GBCSA adopts the main principles of sustainable urbanism through the assessment of urban design with nature. This chapter presents the research methodology used for this study and explains the background to the case study highlighting some of the development trends that exist within the Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate (MECCE).
Case study: Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate
Identification of a case study
Security towns dominate the periphery of these centers and their proximity to the urban core varies depending on the available land. The MECCE is one of the key security villages in the northern area of eThekwini municipality (uMhlanga Ridge).
Background to case study
There are approximately 389 women and 327 men and more than 80% of the population belongs to the white population group (Firth, 2011). The golf course initially developed at MECCE 1 attracted many investors and since the laws of the time promoted segregation, the estate was the fruit of racial segregation.
Data sources and data collection tools
The next chapter presents the findings on MECCE and highlights them in the light of sustainable urbanism to create a platform to assess the influence of gated communities like this on sustainable urbanism. Sustainable urbanism considers the adoption of new practices, including biophilia and high performance infrastructure and buildings to ensure urban sustainability; Gated communities such as MECCE may have limited means of spatially adapting to these changes.
Primary and secondary data sources
The secondary data enabled the researcher to clearly identify different perspectives of sustainable urbanism as well as sustainable urbanism using gated communities as an urban built form. Primary data sources enabled the researcher to obtain first-hand data from surveys related to the function of gated communities as well as eThekwini Municipality's perceptions of sustainable urbanism.
Data sources
Sampling
Data Analysis
Page | 51 The data was obtained from key stakeholders through primary and secondary data sources. The data obtained using the methodology described in the previous chapter has been recorded and organized into themes for interpretation and analysis.
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate Developer (Tongaat Hulett Developments)
- Background of THD
- Vision and objectives
- The role of THD in the establishment of MECCE
- Conclusion on THD’s perspective of MECCE
According to the interview with the THD project manager, the involvement of THD in the development of the estate involves two main processes – the EIA and the application of the Planning and Development Act (PDA). Thus, conservation of wetlands and natural ecological systems were central to the development of MECCE.
EThekwini Municipality
Policy Framework: Mount Edgecombe Scheme (policy guide)
The Mount Edgecombe Town Planning Scheme notes that residential units have a maximum height of three storeys and that housing in the area should not have open views of fairways and greens. Therefore, according to the Mount Edgecombe Town Planning Scheme, MECCE must maintain its low density character to create opportunities for luxury housing.
Conclusion on eThekwini Municipality’s perspective of sustainable urbanism and gated
The former North Local Council established the Mount Edgecombe Urban Planning Scheme to ensure that all developments in Mount Edgecombe are aligned with a structural plan that seeks to create sustainable urban environments. It should be noted that the spatial structure of Mount Edgecombe is unrelated to the three core areas, including the MECCE.
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate Management (MECC, MECCEMA 1, MECCEMA 2)
Sustainability: vision and mission
Furthermore, estates such as MECCE reduce the pressure on the municipality to maintain internal roads and open spaces within the estate. It also recognizes its inability to address safety concerns and therefore accepts gated community developments as a tool to create safe, livable environments.
Policy framework of Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate
However, the level at which this is considered varies and may not necessarily be at the level that defines sustainable urbanism as moving towards sustainability. The handbook also has the potential to adapt to evolving sustainability principles, including those adopted by South Africa, such as Agenda 21.
Summative remarks on gated communities and sustainability
MECCE affiliate organisations
Ezemvelo KZN wildlife
MECCE is considered to have a relatively high level of biodiversity and the managing body (MECCEMA) has ensured that biodiversity conservation is one of the key elements of the estate's management. Ezemvelo also recognizes that biodiversity conservation enclosures can ensure effective management and monitoring of non-native species that are considered a threat to native species.
Association of Residential Communities (ARC) in eThekwini
MECCE Estate Occupants
- Household selection
- Fieldwork procedures
- Analysis
- Household information
- Occupants: summation of responses
Transportation and access to daily necessities were cited by participants as vital components and functionalities within the property. While there are currently no agricultural activities within the property, only 8% of participants had an assessment of agriculture beyond property boundaries.
Neighbourhood completeness: Social Amenities within and beyond MECCE
Summative remarks on neighbourhood completeness: social amenities
The relatively high use of these facilities as reported by MECCEMA indicates that levels of social interaction and, potentially, social sustainability are of great importance in MECCE. Some of these facilities are available to both residents and non-residents; this means that the exclusive nature of MECCE is minimized.
Connectedness: Transportation, accessibility and corridors
Summative remarks on transportation, accessibility and corridors
Limited development opportunities outside the estate boundaries, such as a lack of safe pedestrian and cycle paths, also pose a challenge for MECCE residents who choose alternative forms of transport. Outside the estate boundaries, however, factors such as fear of crime and the lack of transit-oriented development are at play.
Economic aspects of MECCE and occupants
Environment and biophilia
Energy efficiency of home design in MECCE
The potential for the estate to embrace such recycling is relatively limited due to its boundaries. Page | 75 As a management body, MECCEMA has a relatively high degree of influence on the activities of the estate.
Compactness (density) and tenure type
Integrated Design
Location and immediate surrounding areas
The shopping complex located at X, north of MECCE, is extensively used by MECCE residents to meet daily food needs. MECCE residents have a relatively high appreciation for Z with its new urban development form that offers a wide range of socio-economic amenities that are sought after on a weekly basis.
Analysis of results
Biophilia High appreciation for nature and natural systems, as well as opportunities for residents to connect with nature through social amenities and sidewalks. The surrounding land use clearly pays attention to the need for social and economic facilities.
Conclusion
One can therefore conclude that while on the one hand gated communities like MECCE have a relatively high internal level of appreciation of sustainable urbanism and sustainability, on the other hand sustainable urbanistic principles such as sustainable corridors and transit-oriented developments are not effectively utilized by MECCE residents beyond the boundaries of the estate. The results therefore suggest a clear difference between environments with a high level of internal sustainability and a challenge in promoting some sustainable urbanism principles such as environmental sustainability, continuous sustainable corridors and transit-oriented development externally.
Introduction
Reflecting on the analysis
The nature, extent and effect of gated communities
Positives of Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate (MECCE)
A sense of community and safety, as well as integrated ways to promote transit-oriented development limited to walkability, golf carting and cycling. Encourages outdoor activities, along with natural sunlight and fresh air, as residents are in constant contact with the amenities MECCE provides, as well as the natural environment.
Negatives of Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate (MECCE)
Accessible recreational facilities and social amenities that reflect a level of social integration that is not limited to property boundaries. The fact that residents continue to pursue resources beyond property boundaries challenges the principles of sustainable urbanism; this underlines the importance of localizing access to key resources as well as sound management of such resources.
Concluding remarks and potential of MECCE (recommendations)
A shared parking lot within the estate to promote transit-oriented developments, including cycling and walkability within the MECCE boundaries. Integration of different income groups within property boundaries would increase social and economic sustainability.
Conclusion
Moreover, the inequalities that exist in South African cities, particularly inequality and fear of crime, challenge the way in which closed communities close to major urban centers relate to their immediate surroundings. Bunkers for the Psyche: How Closed Societies Allowed the Privatization of Apartheid in Democratic South Africa.
The eThekwini Municipality (Open ended Questionnaire - Interview)
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate Developers (Tongaat Hulett Developments)
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate Architects And Planners
Open Ended Interview Questionnaire (MECCEMA 1 and 2)
Close Ended Questions For Residents In Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate sustainability corridors and access points
Movement patterns
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate key Surrounding areas
