Reflecting on the transformation of space from a social sustainability perspective : the Coligny Forward project

Abstract

Sustainable development has been a worldwide trending term for years. Although the concept of sustainable development originally included a clear social directive, this human dimension has been ignored amongst numerous references to sustainability and has only received vague attention in terms of planning policy, practice and research. Though some research may refer to the concept of social sustainability, little to no research deliberates on how social sustainability may be achieved and enhanced through space transformation initiatives and urban planning practices. This research reflected upon the transformation of space from a social sustainability perspective, based on the results obtained through the Coligny Forward project, a South Africa Day initiative. Theory-based sampling was employed as a qualitative inquiry into the notion of social sustainability and placemaking as an approach to urban planning in order to identify elements and establish criteria that urban areas have to fulfil in order to be deemed socially sustainable. By means of further following a quantitative approach to a case study analysis, data was obtained through closed structured questionnaires handed out to community members in the greater Coligny area after completion of the Coligny Forward project. This data was then statistically analysed and interpreted accordingly. Most prominent findings of the research suggest that physical space transformation initiatives together with urban planning practices may aid in the creation of socially sustainable places thereby achieving and enhancing social sustainability within cities and towns. Based on the results of the research, further planning recommendations were made to guide broader social sustainability objectives linked to transformation of space and placemaking projects.