Browsing by Author "Greenstone, Clive Alan."

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The adaptive reuse of lost and wasted spaces within the eThekwini Municipality : a case study of the Durban Esplanade and The Point .
(2012) Gungaparsad, Kelvin.; Greenstone, Clive Alan.
This research study addresses the issues associated with lost and wasted urban spaces. Lost and wasted spaces refer to areas which have no human activity or proper human interaction. They are the leftover unstructured landscape at the base of buildings. They also include abandoned buildings, waterfronts, train yards, vacated military sites, and industrial complexes. The research outlines the causes of lost and wasted urban spaces which occur within the eThekwini Municipality and urbanised spaces in general. Through the use of case studies and precedent studies, the research study investigates the various techniques, technological advances and approaches that could alleviate wasted spaces in the city. The Durban Esplanade and Point Waterfront development constitute the main case study areas; however, to fully understand how and why lost and wasted spaces occur within the urban environment, various other spaces which make up the cityscape were also investigated. For example, the city transport infrastructure and green spaces do not form part of the case studies, but have been included as part of the research into lost and wasted spaces. The research study seeks to take the issue of lost and wasted urban spaces a step further by combining it with issues related to sustainability. Through the use of the case studies, various possible solutions and alternatives to the alleviation of lost and wasted urban spaces are outlined and investigated. Examples of how lost and wasted urban spaces could be transformed from problem areas to spaces of opportunity are also explored. This was achieved by making use of computer-aided design and graphic illustrations to indicate the possible solutions that could form part of a holistic approach to the issues surrounding lost and wasted spaces in the built environment. The current planning legislation is outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the interconnection between environmental and sustainability issues which relate directly to the cause of lost and wasted spaces. Furthermore, the research study highlights the involvement of various built environment disciplines, including planners, architects and urban designers and investigates their role in the alleviation of lost and wasted urban space.
Rooftop gardens and the greening of cities : a case study of UKZN.
(2009) Greenstone, Clive Alan.
Owing to the concern about the serious factors influencing global warming and climatic change, the process of sustainable landscape construction as well as ecologically friendly developments needs to be addressed. In particular, the questions to ask is are we nearer to accepting sustainable growth advantages in South Africa , primarily the greater eThekwini Municipal Area? In this research paper an analysis of both a theoretical and practical approach to conventional understanding s relating to development practices and issues that encompass greening of cities and the notion of rooftop gardens will be assessed. In so doing it will investigate the discourse surrounding urban ecology and sustainable landscape developments and how both processes incorporate the topic of rooftop gardening, urban agriculture and people’s attitudes towards nature in the city, which regrettably from a South African perspective has very little comprehensive literature written about it. The research will give clarity and hopefully show that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that rooftop gardens form an intricate part of urban ecology. In addition to this that they can provide general environmental, associated aesthetic and health benefits for cities and their inhabitants. Hopefully in culmination this research study will promote a greater insight into rooftop gardens benefits for city management systems.
Urban renewal : a case study of Clare Estate.
(2014) Chetty, Myurie.; Greenstone, Clive Alan.
A variety of factors are responsible for the degeneration and decay of an urban area. A neglected urban area rife with decay, negatively affects the economic, social and environmental sustainability of a neighbourhood. A direct link can be established between the state of an urban area and the quality of life the residents of that area may experience, the performance of the local economy and the condition of the surrounding natural environment. This study examined whether Clare Estate has experienced urban decay, what the possible causes are that have contributed towards the decay are, how the existing decay can be addressed and whether or not Clare Estate requires and can benefit from urban renewal intervention. Through various methods of research such as conducting questionnaire surveys, interviews, observation studies, mapping and analysis of Clare Estate it was deduced that the suburb is experiencing economic, social and environmental decay. It was found that Clare Estate is experiencing frictional, functional, physical and economic blight. The abandoned and neglected buildings, vacant sites, illegal landJ uses, lack of public open spaces and exceedingly high crime levels have all contributed to the decay of the area. The overwhelming amount of informal settlements within Clare Estate and the location of the Bisasar Road landfill are also both significant contributors to the deterioration of the area. They have created an unappealing aesthetic environment, which has consequently created an unpleasant environment for residents, patrons and community members. Clare Estate has experienced years of neglect and mismanagement, which can be attributed to poor coordination and communication between stakeholders. In order to reverse the effect years of decay has had on Clare Estate; the implementation of urban renewal initiatives is required. The community of Clare Estate will gain a stronger local economy, reinforced and intensified community bonds and a healthier and safer environment, through the use of urban renewal intervention. The recommendations made for the renewal of Clare Estate involves an approach that requires input from all stakeholders. In order for the renewal of Clare Estate to occur in a sustainable manner, a publicJprivate partnership that encourages and supports the involvement of the community members of Clare Estate was seen as the most fitting method of urban renewal. Addressing the issue of high crime rates, informal settlements, landfill rehabilitation and road maintenance is instrumental in the renewal process. The use of an onJgoing urban management programme is essential in ensuring the community of Clare Estate continues the proper maintenance and upkeep of their surrounding environment as this will ensure the longevity of Clare Estate.