Spatial Planning in large urban systems : the Gauteng City-Region

MSc (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus

The majority of current regional research focuses on individual cities rather than an urban system as a whole. This approach overlooks the critical influences of urban systems, particularly at regional scale. As a result of regional development, the geographical layout and distribution of nodes becomes uneven. Some nodes expand and establish themselves faster in a region, depending on the type and purpose of each node. The dynamics and relationships between a set of nodes are thus tied to the urban hierarchy. Regional planners have researched the various factors that contribute to the development of an area and its urban system over time. Theoretically, planners hoped to steer the region's development in a strategic direction. In specific geographical an area, spatial planning instruments such as nodes, corridors and planning regions are used. Despite several strategic planning initiatives, the region continues to have imbalanced growth and hierarchy. An urban system’s role as a spatial planning tool is studied. Different national and sub-continental applications are utilized to demonstrate the many implications and impacts that this may have. Strategic policies made by many government areas can improve spatial planning. As a result, policies were investigated using the present design process and its execution. The researcher uses both a developed and a developing country in the empirical study to analyse distinct design processes and the application of international policies and frameworks. The use of an urban system as a spatial planning tool could help create a more balanced geographical distribution of nodes in a region. An urban system can also be used to connect and integrate diverse nodes and regions in order to form beneficial and long-lasting economic linkages.

Masters