A framework for placemaking as spatial planning instrument in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: Placemaking is not the monopoly of spatial planners, but it is a key focus. Planning enables the development, shaping or reproduction of place identities. Placemaking contributes to the reimagination of place identities by inspiring change. Theoretical trends in placemaking literature stemming from the Global North (GN) and Global South (GS), can enable change on a physical, social, emotional, or economic level. As South Africa is a young democracy with immeasurable spatial, economic and social scars due to the legacy of Apartheid, placemaking may act to restore, integrate and empower local communities. The purpose of this study is to respond to contemporary challenges (like fragmented spatial patterns in urban areas) through the development of a generic framework for placemaking as spatial planning instrument. This framework will encourage small-scale action that may lead to long-term change in South African urban settlements. Design/methodology/approach: Rooted in a relativist ontological position, this study allows for the generation of subjective understanding of the "real world" of people in a fragmented urban environment. An interpretivist approach to knowledge generation and interpretation of people's subjective realities (including meaning, value and perception) informed this study's epistemological position. A qualitative approach was selected as methodology, as it provides the necessary flexibility for an emergent research design in a unique natural context using various research methods. Research methods consist of a theoretical and empirical framework. The theoretical framework is informed by an integrative literature review (ILR) that incorporates the results of four searches on placemaking literature ("placemaking", "place-making", "place making" and "place-making in South Africa"), published between 1975 and 2017. Based on the findings of the theoretical framework, the empirical framework was designed to inform an explorative single case study. The research context for the case study was Marabastad, located in the Free State province of South Africa. Data (primary and secondary) were generated in a phased fashion. Phase 1 (secondary data) provides an explorative snapshot of the study area and consists of 149 semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations and an inclusive participatory approach ("table of dreams", with the input of thirty-two participants). Phase 2 represents the core and primary data of this study and was informed by ten in-depth unstructured interviews based on conversation topics informed by the outcome of the ILR on placemaking. All verbal prompts in both phases were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through thematic analysis (TA). Theoretical findings: The planning/review protocol of all the searches collectively resulted in 294 contributions on placemaking in various disciplines. Contributions include spatial and

design disciplines (118 contributions), social sciences (116 contributions) and other disciplines (sixty contributions). The literature review focused on the 102 spatial planning contributions (seventy-seven from the GN and twenty-five from the GS - including ten South African contributions). Early literature considers placemaking an end-product that unlocks visual excitement, while more recent literature considers placemaking an ongoing process that unlocks various dimensions (social, economic and psychological) beyond a tangible product. A process-oriented approach translates into empowered and enabled citizenry, making placemaking a vehicle for democratic change. Empirical findings: Subthemes in both research phases fed into four main themes that recurred across data sheets, including the spatial, social, economic and psychological dimensions of Marabastad. Themes and subthemes led to some important outcomes: (i) despite the physical scars of Apartheid, unique elements may act as focus points for urban upgrading; (ii) negative social attitudes may be transformed through active inclusion and formation of bonds, which may alter the area's social identity; (iii) placemaking may enhance the imageability of a place and attract more visitors that may lead to an economic injection; and (iv) inclusion and cultural representation may strengthen people-people and people-place relationships (behavioural and emotional responses of people). Originality/value/implications: Interrelated theoretical and empirical findings of this study enabled the development of a novel generic framework for placemaking. This framework consists of five phases: (1) Introduction to urban area and orientation, (2) Explorative action to understand context, (3) Identification of intervention(s), (4) Planning towards implementation, and (5) Ongoing process of maintenance, upkeep and development. As foundational principles, active engagement, inclusivity, idea-sharing and skills-development are essential during all phases. To assist the second phase, the place diagram designed by the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) was adapted based on theoretical and empirical findings with a focus on the South African context. Informed by the generic framework for placemaking in South Africa, and the revisited place diagram, site-specific recommendations are made for Marabastad that may lead to the restoration, integration and empowerment of the local community. The practical implication of this transferable framework lies in the value it holds for local authorities, experts as facilitators, communities and individuals to approach the (re)development of open spaces in communities. This framework is therefore not exclusively for the use of expert role-players, but holds value for organisations and ordinary people with a dream to transform their daily living environment.