Multifunctional planning : implications for rural development

Abstract

In the past, urban development and design were known as homogeneous where urban planning leads to spatially separated residential-, working- and commercial areas (Jacobs, 1961:226), resulting in fast-growing peri-urban areas. In deviating from this homogeneous and monofunctional trajectory, megatrends underscore the need for moving away from seeking a predictable single future or outcome (Retief et al., 2016:56). In response to monofunctional precincts, urban planning enjoys pertinent emphasis; especially considering a more holistic approach where multifunctional planning principles are highly applicable (Brandt & Vejre, 2004:8). Planning, to date, largely focused on monofunctional precincts, in contrast to recent development trends, demanding a less homogeneous approach. Municipalities and practitioners are, amongst others, challenged by the most recent planning legislation in South Africa, the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA), to redress previous spatial imbalances, most significantly (section 8) to promote rural revitalisation (SPLUMA, 2013:20). This research launches an investigation into the principles of multifunctional planning, with emphasis on its application to rural landscapes.