Page 15 - Landscape-Issue123

LANDSCAPING FEATURE

Please give details on projects flooding due to a lack of drainage, has no flowing in the street is improved, reducing
completed or underway formal sewer system and access to potable the occurrence of ponding and the spread
We have projects for both private and water is available at a rate of only one tap of disease.
public clients, as well as some long-term per 40 households. Previous enumerations
community based engagements. The and public participation have consistently The location of the new plaza spaces builds
extracts below offer a snapshot of some of identified flooding, ponding and the upon an existing civic energy within the
the projects we have underway. spread of disease as some of the primary informal settlement and begins to create
community concerns. These challenges a new town square that can accommodate
We are part of a multi-disciplinary team are compounded by a profound lack of safe gatherings, events and play. Future
working on new developments within the open space, and the small areas and access upgrades to the pharmacy site will enforce
Canal District of the V&A Waterfront. This routes available are routinely flooded, often this publicness by creating space within the
district surrounds Battery Park, completed by polluted and prone to erosion. informal settlement that is open, active and
DHK architects with landscape architecture dignified.
by Planning Partners. This gateway to the Our initial pilot project questioned how
waterfront is starting to become a key to solve the service requirements of the How many staff members do you
connection point between the Cape Town area, whilst aiming to address the need for currently have? Do you plan to
CBD and the core of the V&A Waterfront. positive public space within the settlement. increase the size of your team?
Our proposals build on the work outlined by It proposes that sustainable urban Our team is small and we envisage
Gapp Architects and Urban Designers in the infrastructure should be developed with remaining so for the foreseeable future.
Canal District Precinct Plan, and underscore communities to improve environments. We enjoy a hands-on approach and are
the importance and value of this area. selective about our projects to ensure
The proposed solution is an infrastructural that we can give them the attention they
Our public work currently underway public space system that stretches from a require.
involves framework planning of safe hubs, key intersection (located at the watershed)
as well as a series of new market and trade within the settlement, along the main We are proud to have been recognised for
areas within the Cape Town metro. We pedestrian access route to Klipfontein Road. some of the work we have undertaken.
are also continuing our work within the The intervention comprises two new paved The Waterpoint upgrade in the informal
informal settlement of Europe, with the plazas that both gather water and act as settlement of Europe was awarded the
Rotary Foundation. public spaces that connect to a pedestrian #COCREATE Blue Green Cities Design Award
walkway that functions as a stormwater for 2022 in the category of Best Use of Water
Europe, located in Gugulethu, Cape channel. Supplementing the surface runoff as a Design Informant.
Town, is underserved in terms of basic is a new grey water diversion system,
services, infrastructure and public space. introduced along with a green SUDS Contact Amy Thompson on 071 282 2076
The settlement experiences severe winter network to ensure that the quality of water amy@yesand.studio n