Towards contextualising mixed-use in South Africa

Abstract

The development of mixed-use precincts is an age old idea in the context of Europe and America, but a reasonably new notion in the developing country of South Africa. In this country with a history of both segregated as well as large open spatial arrangements, compact mixed-use developments pose a different range of challenges. In addition, the rich cultural assemblage of this so-called “Rainbow Nation”, respond to the built environment in unique ways. The appropriation of public and private space consequently varies from culture to culture. This paper juxta poses the notion of mixed-use between two different contexts, one being the informal survivalist approach found in Warwick Junction (Durban) against the recently constructed mixed-use development, Umhlanga Ridge (Durban). The paper questions the application of universal design principles and their applicability in the culturally diverse context of South Africa. With this in mind, conceptual alternatives are investigated towards designing for appropriate mixed-use in this vibrant African context.