the gauteng spatial development framework - Gauteng Online

ANNEXURE E: GLOSSARY OF TERMS• Urban Structure Elements: A series of urban morphological types that havebeen identified to describe, understand and spatially (physically) direct the developmentand growth of the urban system. These elements occur at different urban scales withinthe urban system. These assist in establishing a spatial structure of the urban environmentand city region and form the basis to the urban structure assessment approach. Theurban structure elements that typically characterise the urban system, as identifiedthrough the practice of urban morphology, include urban corridor(s), node(s), activityspine(s), high street(s), point-related development(s), district(s), ecosystem(s)and urban void(s).• Urban Area: An urban area is an area with an increased density of human-createdstructures in comparison to the areas surrounding it. Urban areas may be cities, townsor conurbations, but the term is not commonly extended to rural settlements suchas villages and hamlets. Urban areas are created and further developed by the processof urbanization. Measuring the extent of an urban area helps in analyzing populationdensity and urban sprawl, and in determining urban and rural populations.• Urban Node (see 'node' and/or urban morphological types)• Urban RegenerationMaking an urban area develop or grow strong again through means such as localeconomic development, job creation and environmental renewal.Urban Spacing:Spacing in this context encompasses a multitude of diverse and interrelated ideas, (pro)positionsand meanings:• It refers to the space (urban area), which has to be (re)positioned, planned, developedand managed;• It relates to the spatial planning of 'the city space';• It emphasises the space/position, i.e. the relevance, status, niche, comparative advantageof an urban area within the local and global space;• It acknowledges the existence of various dimensions of space layered into the singularconception of space, e.g. perceived, conceived and lived space ('trialectics of cityspace');• It emphasises the concept of place, or place making, where we live, work and play;• It relates to the concept of arranging/patterning/ influencing;• It is associated with emptiness that emphasises opportunities and possibilities;• It is associated with the spaciousness, vastness and boundlessness that underscoresthe extent and magnitude of the urbanising challenge;• It encapsulates the notion of (s)pacing that implies tactics, those strategic moves thattake place at the most opportune time and place;• It deliberately foregrounds the growing awareness of the 'spatiality of human life', i.e.that we as spatial beings are continually shaping the spaces and places around us,but at the same time are collectively and individually shaped by the spaces andplaces around us and lastly; and• It can also be associated with the mystery of outer space, which implies the need tothink beyond, to transcend and to excel.Urban Space EconomyThe study of the urban space economy looks at spatial relationships between individualsand organisations, and explores the economic reasons that underpin the formation,functioning and development of towns, cities and their hinterlands.Urban Sprawl (see sprawl)The uncontrolled or unplanned extension of urban areas into the countryside. The unplanned,uncontrolled spreading of urban development into areas adjoining the edge of a city, typicallyhighly dependent on long-distance private vehicle transport.Urban StructureIs the arrangement of land use in urban areas. Can also refer to the urban space structurewhich concerns the arrangement of public and private space in cities and the degree ofconnectivity and accessibility.UrbanisationThe process by which an increasing percentage of a country'spopulation comes to live in towns and cities.Urban Void (see urban morphological typesUses (e.g. Mixed-Use)Refers to the type of activity for which people might use a space. For instance, land zonedfor recreational use could become a park but could not become an office block or shops.209 GAUTENG SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 2011 GAUTENG GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY