Khayelitsha Ntlazane Road/Steve Biko Road & Environs Urban Design Framework & Market Facility

CLIENT:  CITY OF CAPE TOWN: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE:  JUNE 2004
AREA/EXTENT:  PRECINCT 1, 2 & 3: ±5ha
LOCALITY:  KHAYELITSHA, CAPE TOWN

The Project Challenge The purpose of the project was to develop a design intervention strategy that integrated the public environment and could potentially release further public and private investment as a phased process, whilst providing for the immediate needs of the existing traders. A key issue was to design public spaces and buildings that are generally very difficult for individuals to provide due to budgets and scale. The long term vision was to implement and improve all three identified precincts with associated high-density housing possibilities to create an overall integrated human settlement. Principles & Approach The concept proposed is a ‘basic minimalism’ approach, where an overall framework relates to a limited architectural development that can be incrementally appropriated by the community once the designer leaves the site. The approach to the project involved addressing the fundamental concept of establishing a dynamic public realm that could support: Functional and spatial requirements, such as Khayelitsha Railway Station as a key transport interchange and activity node; Pedestrian movement and non-motorised transport as the main mode of access; Different levels and types of informal trade; Institutional facilities and related amenities; and Potential appropriate sites for live-work scenarios and high-density housing infill. Proposals Precinct 1: the ‘Station Square’ is seen as a core focus point with high levels of intense activities and a variation in thresholds. There is a high demand for trading activities in this vicinity and is the focus of the project as the heart of the development and key investment area. The development of Precinct 1 has the potential to act as an urban generator in Khayelitsha. Precinct 2: the ‘Gateway’ focuses on the development of positive public space around the proposed pedestrian bridge. Precinct 3: the ‘Link’ spatially connects Precinct 1 and 2 through landscaping, spatial techniques and edge conditions. The appropriate phasing of the work into operational sections was carefully considered.

Contextual Development Framework Phasing Plan for Precinct 1 Contact us for further info Back to Projects