IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section A
Abstract
Urban public space encourages essential opportunities for social interaction, recreation, and cultural and political activities. Well-designed and strategically located public space can stimulate economic growth by attracting businesses and tourism. Given this, this study employed a quantitative research method to examine the role of urban public space in fostering social cohesion in South Africa, centring on the design and functionality of the public space and the impact on community engagement. The respondents were randomly selected from the main regions of Pretoria, South Africa which included areas in the North, East and Central parts of the city to complete the questionnaire. Pretoria was selected for the study because it is serving as the administrative capital of South Africa, and it offers a unique blend of historical, cultural and economic significance. The results reveal that urban public space is important for promoting community interaction and that malls are the most frequently visited public space, followed by parks and sidewalks. However, there are significant gaps in design, safety, and accessibility specific to people with disabilities and the elderly. The respondents also showed unease about safety and accessibility in public spaces. The study concluded that well-designed and strategically located public spaces are essential for social cohesion and inclusivity, reflect local culture and preserve history. It advocates that town planners and policymakers should prioritise safety, functionality, and the community’s diverse needs.
Olugbenga Fashuyi is a senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology in Akure. He holds a PhD from the Girne American University in Kyrenia, Turkey. Presently, he is a research fellow at the Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa.
Lucius Xolani Mbombela Lucius earned his Doctorate from the Tshwane University of Technology, Business School. His doctoral research is focused on the development of frameworks to improve the quality of Informal Settlements in South Africa. His academic and professional inclination is deeply rooted in Human Settlement, with a focus on informal settlement upgrade and the integration of policy and governance.
Amira Osman is a Sudanese/South African architect, researcher, academic, activist, public speaker, and author. She is a Professor of Architecture at the Tshwane University of Technology and holds the position of the South African Research Chair in Spatial Transformation (Positive Change in the Built Environment).
Innocent Edoun is a senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Management Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology. He also holds a PhD in Business Management.
Tlhologello Sesana is an award-winning innovator, academic, entrepreneur, architect, maker and storyteller who draws inspiration from her own indigenous culture(s). As the co-founder of Sesana Sesana Studio, she explores her research interests through innovation and artisanship. Her practice uses these modalities to shape narratives, confront history, and foster healing at various scales, from furniture to public exhibitions and building systems. She graduated from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) with a Master of Architecture degree. She has gained experience in the academic sphere as a lecturer and external examiner for local and international universities.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday 17th July, 2025