Urban Precedent Study:
Exploring Public Multifunctional Spaces for Social
engagement and economic opportunities.
Lindisa Maponya
2677081
ARPL1016A (2023)
Project 2: Layout Design
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Introduction
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This presentation will delving in to the fascinating world of design and exploring the potential of a specific site to serve as a catalyst for social engagement and economic opportunities.
Our primary focus is on studying successful examples of public multifunctional spaces that have effectively promoted community interaction, fostered a
sense of belonging and contributed to the economic growth of their respective areas.
Aim:
By examining these precedents, the aim is to gain insighta and inspiration for
my own proposed project.
Objective:
To understanding the importance of creating spaces that fascilitate social
interaction and community engagement, analyzing the economic impact of a
well designed public space and identifying the design principles that contribute to the success of such spaces such as Gandhi Square and Jewel City.
Study site 1: Gandhi Square
Study site 2: Jewel City
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Gandhi Square
Johannesburg
Location: Central Business District of Johannesburg, Gauteng province
of South Africa.
Status: Built in 1999, refurbished in 2003
Project size: 12675.65m2 at a scale of 4cm=70m
Designer: Gerald Olitzki
Client: Johannesburg Government
Historical background:
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Located in Johannesburg, originally it served as the city of city’s first
courthouse.However its significance goes beyond its judicial function.
Gandhi Square as played a crucial role in bringing an end to hostilities between the Boers and the British during that time.
The square has since been named after Mahatma Gandhi, the renowned leader of the Indian independence movement. The design
of the square was aimed at creating a central gathering space that
would serve as a symbol of unity and peace and it continues to be a
landmark in Johannesburg today.
Figure 4: Retail and residential spaces incorporated
(Gandhi Square Precinct - Things to do in Johannesburg, 2020)
Figure 2: The square as highly accessible space
(GeoLis, 2019)
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Accesibilty- it intergrates the functional need and public
facilities including walking public transporation such the
Metrobus which promotes the permiatbiltiy of the space.
It is designed to be accessible to all people with pedestrian-friendly zones, ramps which ensures that regardless
of their physical abilities, they can enjoy and explore the
space.
Figure 4: Section Retail and residential spaces incorporated
(Empire Perth Development Corridor, 2019)
• Multifunctional space- The multifunctional space of Gandhi
Square offers spatial advantages by accomodating various
activities in one location, optimizing land use. It benefits people
by convenience, diversity of amenities, opportunities for social
engagement and fostering a sense of community in a central
gathering place.
Key design principles:
Summary:
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Figure 3: Comfortable spaces
(Gandhi Square Precinct - Things to do in Johannesburg, 2020)
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Social fascilities- The design of Gandhi Square meets the needs of
people for activities whereby it has seating areas, restaurants situated at the bottom of the buildings surrounding the square. It also
provides open spaces for community events and gatherings, creating vibrant atmosphere for social interaction and cultural activities.
Figure 3: Public tranportation within the space
(Gandhi Square Precinct - Things to do in Johannesburg, 2020)
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Intergrating public transport with a public space- The combination Metrobus bus service within the square, as they are bustops. It improves the accessibility, convinience, reduces traffic
congestion and enhances the connectivity for commuters and
visitors.
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In light of the above, Gandhi Square is successful in acting as
a public multifunctional space due to its strategic location, convinient accessibility and diverse range of amentities .
It promotes social engagement by providing open spaces for
events and community gatherings. It also offers economic opportunities through its businesses, attracting visitors and conributing to the local economy.
Overall, Gandhi Square’s combination of accessibility, social
engagement, and economic potential contributors to its success as a vibrant and thriving space.
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Jewel City Development
Johannesburg
Location: Eastern CBD of Johannesburg, Gauteng province of South
Africa.
Key design principles:
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Status: Built in 2020
Project size: 68 550m2, 20000m2 commercial offices, 1550 new residential apartments, 7000m2 retail space and 40000m2 of new buildings.
Mixed Use-Mixed use develompment such as the Jewel City,
offering a convienience, accessibility, vibrant atmosphere, economic growth, sustainability and enhanced quality of life. They
have intergrated commercial and recreational spaces, creating
a dynamic community with amentities at close proximity.
Designer: GASS Architecture
Client: Divercity
Historical background:
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A new vision for Jozi’s CBD – introducing Jewel City, a residential,
commercial and retail development. This is a Divercity Property Fund
(partnership between Atterbury, Ithemba and Talis) project.
The JEWEL CITY Precinct is an extension of the existing Maboneng
Precinct located in Johannesburg CBD, bordered by Commissioner
and Main Streets, Berea Road and Joe Slovo Drive - comprising of
six existing blocks. The spine of the Precinct is Fox Street, which
has been pedestrianized linking Maboneng to Jewel City all the way
through to the ABSA precinct.
This urban renewal commenced in October 2018, transforming the
area into a revitalized neighbourhood consisting of 1, 125 apartments, 20, 017m2 of A Grade office space and a retail convenience
offering. The vision for Jewel City is to evolve the precinct, revolutionizing a significant portion of Joburg’s inner city and incorporating
business, housing and creative spaces to be used by people from all
walks of life.
Figure 5: Residentail infrastructure
(Residential | Jewel City, 2020)
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Incoporating affordable housing- Reduces commuting time and
costs for residents, as they can live close to their workplaces.
Jewel city is revatilizing inner-city living and contributes to the
economic growth by creating job opportunities, creating a secure and convinient living environment for residents.
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Figure 8: Walking space
(Commercial | Jewel City, 2020)
Delivering a pedestrian friendly environment- The pedestrian
friendly environment of Jewel City creates a sense of order
and a degree of legibility. This is executes by the creation of
well designed and accessible spaces public spaces, promoting mixed land use and compact development. This reduces
the need for parking infrastructure and it enhances the overall
asthetic appeal and a functional built environment .
Summary:
• Jewel City succeeds as a mulitfunctional space by incorporating affordable housing, commercial establishments and recreational areas.
• This intergration promotes social engagement by creating
opportunities for people to interact, connect and build a sense
of community.
• Additionally, the diverse range of functions stimulates economic activities, attracting businesses and generating employment, thus contributiing to the overall growth and vitality
of the area.
Figure 6 and 7: Commercial and recreational space
(Commercial and Recreational | Jewel City, 2020)
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Conclusion