Housing Organization

Housing Organization

Determining the optimal layout of the redeveloped houses is something that is essential to urban planning. The goal of in situ upgrading is to allow efficient infrastructure to emerge gradually along with housing stock improvements. This goal cannot be met simply by facilitating improvements on existing plots or by rearranging the currently built shacks in some manner, though in some areas these strategies may be appropriate. Any upgrading strategy must address over time the desire of residents of Monwabisi Park for better housing and living conditions.

Figure 1: Proposed housing layout for redevelopment (VPUU, 2006)

There are many different possible housing layouts that can be considered. EcoBeam and the Indlovu Project has already proposed a housing redevelopment plan in one small area of C Section that includes row housing with public grounds, and communal bath facilities (Figure 1). This housing layout aims to solve the problem of overcrowding. The way in which public space is manipulated by the housing layout is an important factor in determining the safety of the immediate area. Poorly planned housing units can inadvertently create dark, dangerous areas that are host to various forms of crime. The Shaster Foundation’s primary focus behind its housing layout proposal consists of the following points (Indlovu Project, 2009):

• Greater access to residents to public transport and social and economic opportunities
• A safer environment
• A greater choice in forms of housing which are more responsive to need
• Maximize the economic possibilities related to housing development

Consequently, road design parallels housing design because the housing layout needs to be compatible and efficient with the proposed road design, especially so that emergency services can access every house in Monwabisi Park if needed. This will promote a safer environment for the residents. Having a clean, structured housing and road layout will also promote economic activity because travel will be easier and will naturally become somewhat restricted to the roads themselves. Creating predictable human traffic patterns is beneficial to commercial development, as you can see in well-structured urban cities around the world.