Albonico Sack Mzumara (ASM), an architectural and urban design practice based in Johannesburg, South Africa, was appointed by the Johannesburg Development Agency, in association with MMA Architects, to prepare an urban design framework and business plan for the city’s Greater Ellis Park development. With Ellis Park Stadium selected as one of the venues that will host the 2010 World Cup, the Greater Ellis Park precinct, an area housing many of the city’s sports complexes, has benefited from a ZAR 2 billion facelift (£145,000,000).
An area of social diversity
The greater Ellis Park area comprises approximately 260 hectares including four of Johannesburg’s oldest residential neighbourhoods, with a registered population of about 14,000 people (2001 census). However, the current population, according to random sample surveys of legal and illegal residents, is approximately three times higher. The Doornfontein, New Doornfontein, Bertrams and Troyeville areas have significant heritage resources and have historically been home to a mixed population, in terms of both income and racial background. Since the mid-1980s, the social diversity and richness of the area has been compromised by steady decline in public and private investment. The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), through its inner-city development programme, is actively addressing this issue.
BRT route
Initiatives include upgrading infrastructure, improving environmental conditions, stimulating investment, promoting the development of affordable housing and the conversion of derelict buildings to more suitable uses. In addition, issues related to city management, safety and security are being addressed. The 2010 Soccer World Cup has been a springboard for economic and social regeneration. In this case, two key urban design drivers have been upgrading the Ellis Park stadium and surrounding public spaces; and the introduction of a citywide bus rapid transport (BRT) system, connecting the precinct to the city, serving surrounding educational institutions and alleviating the impact of parking associated with the upgraded sports facilities.
Working with existing elements
The design principle is to work with what already exists, introducing minimal interventions to spark people’s creativity and to gain local community-based organisations’ support for the upgrading programme. The area’s key resources – cultural diversity, heritage, environmental features and human resources have all been as important in this process as upgrading the area’s infrastructure and unleashing its economic potential. While the area has many assets, there are widespread challenges: unplanned informal trading, poor and unsafe transportation solutions, a lack of accessible social and entertainment facilities, fragmented land use, poorly maintained commercial and industrial buildings, many of which were being used as unofficial residences, and a poorly managed public realm, leading to safety and security concerns. Local buy-in has been partially achieved through the provision of social and affordable housing, the redesign of neighbourhood parks – complete with management initiatives – and the introduction of community sporting facilities and youth programmes. However, much remains to be done to support the significant homeless and dispossessed population that currently lives in unacceptable conditions. If this issue is not handled in an effective and sustainable manner, it may very well undermine the progress made to date. Given the transient nature of the population and South Africa’s history, dealing with crime and urban management are still the project’s biggest challenges. Even though ‘design out crime’ principles have been applied to various facilities, the reality is that good design alone cannot prevent people committing crime, especially in an environment with such a stark contrast between ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.
Reduction in crime
requires passive and active surveillance supported by an ongoing community-based awareness programme – all of which rely on continued community participation. To this end, the local police department has organised such a programme run by volunteers from the community.
Public art: cultural cows and African Angels
Historical connections with the city’s ‘old town’ are celebrated and reinforced. The heritage routes, with their particular character defined by early Johannesburg architecture, are linked to green corridors and a network of vibrant city streets with strong local character. This system is primarily pedestrian oriented with an emphasis on bringing in public art at various intervals to capture the spirit of place and showcasing the work of emerging local artists. The introduction of public art is also an attempt to transform the neighbourhood’s unsafe spots, such as the notorious area around Joe Slovo Drive and Beit Street. A collection of artworks known as the African Angels watch over the environment, symbolically representing hope and elevation for the human spirit across all creeds. The African Angels concept represents the belief that every city needs its guardian angels; symbols of hope and elevation for the human spirit across all creeds. Rather than evoking Christian religious connotations, the angels reflect a time when many ancient cities were dedicated to, and protected by, gods.
Central Square as a connection
The Central Square of the Ellis Park Sport Precinct is of major importance for sport and social interaction. The design aims to increase unity and flexibility, and creates a space through which large crowds can comfortably pass. The square establishes a connection between the two stadiums. The square’s clear edges are defined by a double line of trees while the large scale is composed of sub-spaces as far as possible.The origin of the Juskei River is also celebrated within this space by means of an interactive water feature in which children can learn about the historic river system. The water feature works in four parts:fine mist bubblers symbolise origin, followed by small jets and a transition to larger bubblers symbolising the flow of ariver. The feature concludes in a waterfall structure that further enhances the idea of origin and magnitude. Sculptural, indigenous trees and focal planting provide emphasis and an aesthetically pleasing environment around the water feature.
Transport Square links with city
The second high-activity open space upgraded is the New Doornfontein Transport Square. This area was derelict and had become increasingly dangerous over the years. The redesigned taxi rank accommodates the same number of taxis as before. In addition, a market and a basketball court have been constructed and landscaping includes a stand of indigenous trees. A herd of Nguni cows celebrates the importance of cattle in local culture, reflecting the formal and informal commercial activities in the surrounding area, and softening this relatively harsh space. The upgrading of the taxi rank highlights that this precinct is not only about public spaces, but also about connections that should be celebrated and made more attractive to users. Essentially, the emphasis has been on the integration of an improved public transport system to reduce the need for private cars, and the design of green corridors to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians, connecting various destinations within the area.
Green corridors stitch the area together
The network of public open spaces and green corridors help to enhance legibility and sense of place. Formerly ‘lost’ spaces dotted along a 2 km route have been turned into pocket parks connecting to the renewed existing parks along the Juskei river valley. In the early stages of the process, there was a general apathy and lack of faith in what could be achieved through the collective process. Strong and uncompromising leadership and commitment from the city’s stakeholders was needed to get everyone pursuing the same objectives, and to ensure synergy between public private investment in the short and medium term.
Legacy projects
Viewed as the ‘Cinderella’ project of 2010, Ellis Park stands to benefit greatly in terms of legacy. The introduction of a city-wide public transport system, the re-design of the Doornfontein railway station to comply with international standards and the proposed Ellis Park Central Square – new public space and park in the heart of education and sporting facilities – are amongst the most significant interventions. Work on upgrading and converting existing buildings to create 2,000 affordable residential units in close proximity to the stadiums is evidence of a new impetus in private investment. For the city, however, ensuring that the local community benefits from the influx of visitors to the area, and from the infrastructure provided, during and after the event, remains a major challenge.
KEY POINTS
• The project is focused on creating local ‘buy in’
• Minimal interventions will spark creativity and gain local community-based organisations’ support
• Existing community tensions need to be resolved to help reduce crime – passive and active surveillance supported by a community-based awareness programme has been set up
PRACTICE DETAILS
Albonico Sack Mzumara: http://asmarch.com
South African Cities Network
http://www.sacities.net/members/sustainable.stm
Oliver Spratley spoke to Monica Albonico, a partner at Albonico Sack Mzumara
