Population densities in Cape Town
Sustainability agendas in urban planning have largely been driven by attempts to create a “compact city” or otherwise densifying. Densification as a key driver of more sustainable cities has been embraced as a policy goal of government at all levels and most political persuasions in the democratic era. However in spite of policy to the contrary it is believed the number of households and people housed per 100 square metres in urban areas has declined in Cape Town. Consequently it is postulated that South African policies in favour of densification have not worked. The report seeks to identify appropriately policies and their levers via law or associated regulations and development control instruments for the promotion of a more sustainable Cape Town. A draft report is available here.
Preliminary results were presented at a seminar entitled: Is densification just a cruel mirage? The role of law in transforming Cape Town into a compact city. Listen to the podcast of proceedings here.