Abstract

This project aims to illustrate the value of applying eco-hydrology and sustainable urban drainage principles to urban precincts as a means to enhance both the ecological functioning of the precinct as well as the socio-cultural value of the Natal Spruit, through urban place-making.

The project is located within the City of Alberton along the banks of the Natal Spruit. The City of Alberton was established because of its proximity to the major population centre of Johannesburg as a residential centre for the mining population due to the extensive surrounding mining activities. However, the historic part of the city is slowly decaying in favour of a newer commercial and retail core to the South of the old city centre. As described by Relph, areas within the City of Alberton have the characteristics of placelessness, due to problems such as a loss of connectivity to the geographical context, a lack of distinctiveness and the effect of avoidant human-nature relationships. This is evidenced by the degradation of natural features such as the Natal Spruit which is polluted and built over. The result of these urban development tendencies is that various green and blue open spaces lose their ecological functioning, leading to these spaces being polluted and ignored. 

Urban growth and the need to expand has led to the relocation of the CBD towards the outskirts of the city where areas are more prone to development. This move led to urban degeneration in the historic areas of the city and resulted in the degradation of the urban environment. This coupled with the degraded natural environment has resulted in a sense of placelessness within the centre of Alberton.

An urban framework was developed focussing on the river corridor. The framework will be accompanied by a detailed and specific site design that will act as a case study to showcase how the various principles of eco-hydrology and sustainable urban drainage systems can be used to create an ecologically and socially sound urban landscape. Through the establishment of a set of principles such as permeable streetscapes, corridor connectivity, rehabilitation, and human-nature-water interfaces,  the detailed site design showcases how a sense of place can be established through improving the ecological condition and functioning of the site. By incorporating social needs with sustainable urban drainage systems, once neglected green spaces become vibrant water sensitive urban green “places”.

Stakeholders in this project include public and private partnerships with a focus on the Alberton Civic Centre and library and the Alberton City Mall. The project aims to serve the community of, and visitors to, Alberton. 

Keywords: Eco hydrology; Place and Placelessness, Rivers, Sustainable Urban Drainage, Urban degeneration