Church Square:
empowering public life
Church Square:
empowering public life
Our Future Cities | Future Cape Town Sea Point Cape Town, South Africa 8005
February 2017 Edition 0.1
Acknowledgements
This work involved many interviews and conversations with people directly or indirectly involved with Church Square and public spaces in Cape Town. We are grateful to the many people who met with us and shared their insight, and to the users of Church Square for adding their voice to the process.
Urban Lime Katie Friedman
The approach used in this report was inspired by and adapted from the report “Public Life & Urban Justice in NYC's Plazas� published in 2015 by Gehl Studio NY & the J. Max Bond Center on Design for the Just City. It can be accessed here : https:// issuu.com/gehlarchitects/docs/ nycplazastudy
The Cape Town Partnership The Central City Improvement District
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Contributors
Our Future Cities | Future Cape Town Sea Point Cape Town, South Africa 8005
Our Future Cities NPO is an independent non profit and consultancy promoting democracy and actions towards the creation of more equitable, progressive and bold cities. It comprises Future Cape Town and Future Lagos, which works in its respective cities. Through social media, publishing, events, research, and creative collaborations with the public, private and civil society sector, the organisation expands citizen access to urbanism, and in particular public information related to city planning, urban design, and architecture. The organisation was founded by Rashiq Fataar in 2010.
Rashiq Fataar (Project Lead)
Sophie JĂŠsus (Assistant Researcher)
Contents
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01
Introduction Research Context Research Questions
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02
Methods Approach & Metrics
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03
Findings Overview Key Findings
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04
Recommendations
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Appendices
Our Future Cities | Future Cape Town Sea Point Cape Town, South Africa 8005
October 2016
Terms of reference
In August 2016, Future Cape Town, as part of the Our Future Cities network was appointed by the commercial property company Urban Lime (UL) to undertake a pre-design study aimed at enriching their understanding of the Church Square precinct located in close proximity to the Company Gardens, Parliament buildings, and within walking distance of Cape Town central train station, and major transport services. Urban Lime, in recent times have acquired several properties and buildings spaces within the Church Square precinct, and in particular are interested in the long term improvement of the space, through placemaking interventions of varying scale. These buildings include : • Speakers-Corner (39 Parliament Street) • 37 Parliament Street • 4 Church Square (ground floor + office space) • The Piazza - Parliament Street, ground floor • The Adderley - Parliament Street, ground floor This pre-design report captures key findings derived from a combination of desktop and field research, user interviews, expert input and media analysis.. The latter will integrate the key findings, conclusions and recommendations derived from the study, including comments and feedbacks from key stakeholders. For the purposes of this study the research area (Church Square and the immediate surrounds) is hereafter referred to as Church Square or “the square”.
1
Introduction
resting
playing playing
pausing
public life protesting planting
waiting
feeding flying marrying acting modelling
sitting
protesting
chatting
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About Church Square
Physical information Church Square, comprising approximately 2,000 sqm of space is bound by Parliament and Spin Street on two ends, and wrapped on the other ends by the Iziko Social History Centre building, the Graafs Trust Building, Speakers Corner, Church Square House and 5 Church Square and across from Parliament Street, the Groote Kerk Church. It is located in a significant position in the broader Cape Town CBD, close to major transport services, within steps of Parliament (and associated offices), Company Gardens, the Western Cape Government, as well as major commercial offices e.g. Woolworths. Heritage Church Square is described by the Cape Town Partnership as a “multi-layered space in the heart of Cape Town, with a long and complex history”. This area of the city is particularly rich in slave history. On one side stands The Groote Kerk Church, which gives the square its name. The street running alongside Church Square was the site of a silk-spinning factory, hence its name, Spin Street. On the island running down the centre of the street is a concrete plinth, which many do not realise is a memorial to the Slave Tree that once stood on this spot (removed in 1916) ,underneath which slaves waited while their masters attended church services at the Groote Kerk Church.
Hundreds of years ago, slaves would wait on the square for their Masters as they attended services at the Groote Kerk Church. It also includes the Slave Lodge, where thousands of slaves were housed, doubling up, for a time, as one of the Cape’s most well-known brothels. Transformation From its original design, the square was to serve the Groote Kerk Church and was a parking lot until 2006 before becoming a public space. The square was then re-paved, trees were introduced and a memorial to the square’s origins as a slave market was unveiled in 2008. Eleven granite blocks give passers-by an indication of the names of some of the slaves traded in the square. The statue of the Afrikaner politician, Jan Hendrik Hofmeyer, was erected on the square in 1920 in recognition of his efforts to have the Dutch language recognized along with English in the Constitution of 1910. The responsibility of square and all its infrastructure is City of Cape Town owned, with operational and event support offered by the Cape Town Partnership, and additional security services by the Central City Improvement District (security).
Context : Ward
Church Square falls within Ward 77 (broadly the CBD and broader “City Bowl” area) which includes the areas of Cape Town City Centre, Foreshore, Gardens, Green Point, Oranjezicht, Schotschekloof, Signal Hill, Lions Head, Tamboerskloof and Vredehoek.
Ward 77 is growing rapidly. Its population has increased by a quarter in the decade to 2011 to 28 252, an increase in 24% since 2001, and the number of households was 11 155, an increase of 20% since 2001. It is also becoming more racially integrated, with the Black African population more than doubling in the decade to 2011, from 3103 to 6913, and an increasing percentage of 24.% of the total population of Ward 77. The Coloured residents decreased as a percentage of the total population from 22.5% to 15%, and the White residents decreased from 63.2% to 52.7%, but remains the majority.
Demographic Profile : Race
Ward
Cape Town
Census 2011 (Population 28 252) • Black African 6 913 (24.5%) • Coloured 4 226 (15.0%) • Asian 712 (2.5% ) • White 14 897 (52.7%) • Other 1 504 (5.3% )
The age of the population has remained relatively stable.
Church
art
film set
music film
film
basketball advertisement
activations dance
public engagement party
exhibition
games
piano
street store
first Thursdays
Context : Neighbourhood
On a neighbourhood scale, Church Square forms part of the East City precinct or Precinct 4, and is located at the edge of a narrow area (between Church Square and edge of the Grand Parade), as part of the 4 CBD precincts under the management of the CCID.
Retail: The estimated lettable formal retail space is 99, 439 sqm, with the large majority (65,706 sqm) within 3 major shopping centres and remainder on street. Occupancy of the retail remained consistently high at 97% for 2014 and 2015.
Cape Town's East City is known, interchangeably, as the East City, the East City Precinct, and The Fringe. Others, still, know it as lower Gardens. But this part of the Mother City's central city is in the process of a rebirth. Some have hailed it as a 'design and innovation district'; others as the next Woodstock.
Residential: A 2014 survey of the Cape Town CBD indicated that 21% of respondents live in the East City, estimated at 1,000 to 1,200 of the total CBD population of 5,657 (2011).
Long a semi-industrial area, the East City is where the CBD meets District Six. It's seen a reinvention, emerging as an area of design, media, ICT entrepreneurship and creativity. It centres around Roeland, Buitenkant, Darling, Canterbury and Harrington streets, bordering on Gardens to the north, and the Castle of Good Hope to the south. This area was central to Cape Town's successful 2014 World Design Capital bid and was part of a fierce 'branding' exercise by Cape Town Partnership. After a few years, and much reflection, the partnership realised it needed to work more closely with District Six residents, entrepreneurs moving into the area, and others who live in the area, including immigrant groups and rough sleepers.
Culture: The East City is reasonably well-served in terms of access to cultural facilities, but also within walking distance of the cultural offering of the entire CBD. In close proximity to Church Square, includes the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, District 6 Museum and Homecoming Centre. Commercial: A reasonable mix of offices or commercial buildings within walking distance.
PRECINCT 1 (FORESHORE) PRECINCT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 (EAST CITY)
CHURCH SQUARE
Defining the problem statement
It would be unfair to say that the condition of Church Square is poor, or that it necessarily requires a major transformation. The square, while located within a regenerating and positive broader Cape Town CBD faces more localised or precinct level challenges, which to a large extent suffocate public life or the potential to ignite inclusive and vibrant public life.
“Church Square operates as a large pavement” These challenges relate largely to the lack of permeability of buildings that directly and indirect wrap the square - which might as well be blank 30 metre high walls, if not for their heritage and architectural quality. Its lack of a sense of originality and distinguishing factors, further adds to its non-magnetic nature, given the highly distinguishable and place-of-mind spaces surrounding it e.g. The Company’s Gardens, St. Georges Mall, Greenmarket square and others. As a result, to a large extent, one could say that Church Square operates as a large pavement its qualities providing little incentive to remain or linger - and hence its nature as a spillover area after Adderley Street, rather, than a magnet for residents and workers in the CBD. Despite a reasonably interesting and varied history of events and programming, all the best ideas and types of activations one could imagine (sport, pop-up circus, arts, performance, night events etc.), both commercial and noncommerical have taken place but in different
time-space continuums, never merging or igniting the public life and activity at Church Square beyond the event duration. The physical condition of Church Square over the last decade has remained relatively unchanged (despite being a key focus through public activations), with the addition of free wifi being the most significant contribution to the space. This in contrast to nearby St. Georges Mall; vibrant during weekdays (now part of the CityWalk campaign, hosts Earth Fair market), the popular Company’s Gardens, which has improved over time (free wifi, new restaurant, Museum Night, outdoor exhibitions) and the interesting public space on Longmarket Street behind the Cape Town Central Library used daily by students. It is important therefore to recognise that Church Square falls within a system of public space infrastructure - with diverse audiences - mostly of a good quality but including some which are somewhat dysfunctional (e.g The Grand Parade) and others that hold potential e.g. Harrington Square. In some sense, unlike Church Square, these nearby spaces hold a particular place of mind and play a distinguishing role within the Cape Town CBD. This is not to suggest however that Church Square should compete with or duplicate this role, but its prime location between the core CBD and east CBD lends itself to expanding the opportunities for well-performing and, high quality public space which enhances public life.
Challenges
01 02 03 04 05
Surrounded by closed or mostly inactive buildings and ground level edges
Low level of users, and little to no weekend users
Little to no evening use due to closed shops and facilities as well as poor lighting
Lack of originality or distinguishing factors
Lack of knowledge by public about potential use or activities
“an ambitious call to unlock the potential of relatively inactive civic, cultural, social and economic assets�
Defining success
The definition of success could be framed as :
More specifically one would see :
A more vibrant public life, that does not rely on activations to create lasting memories, but has a distinguishing everyday place of mind.
• People sitting or standing at various places across the square, not rushing through to their destination • People enjoying multiple activities e.g. gathering, having lunch, leaning, laughing, playing, dancing, moving seating or objects, playing music, waiting, lying down taking photographs, learning • People moving in and out of surrounding ground level spaces, which are permeable, and diverse
This would be characterised by: • A more diverse audience of users, with a significant increase in the users per day • Use throughout the day and into the evening, with some weekend use • An empowered public, with clear information (and a heightened sense of ownership) on how to use the space to host social or non-commercial events and gatherings • A public-private-people partnership with financial, human and cultural resources, to maintain and operate the square, and advance the three characteristics above
The definition of success must be part of an ambitious call to unlock the potential of relatively inactive civic, cultural, social and economic assets. How can we better leverage shared public assets like Church Square to make our city more economically competitive and liveable. It is about embracing the potential dynamism of Church Square, so that it plays a vital role in promoting public life as the CBD continues to grow into the future.
Vieux Port, Marseille | Crowds ofreflective people fascinated by the reflective steel Crowds of people fascinated by the stainless steel events pavilionstainless in Marseille.
Methods
A Combined Research Approach
The research approach is broadly based on the Gehl / JMBC Combined Indicator Framework, developed for the purposes of the report, Public Life and Urban Justice in NYC’s Plazas published in 2015. Using this framework, the J. Max Bond Center’s ‘Just City’ values were used as the overarching indicator framework. Within each value, a combination of public life (how people use space and who they are), public space (quality and design of the space) indicators and urban justice indicators (human health, economic, civic, culture, aesthetic, and environmental wellbeing) were included. The combined approach looks in more detail at demographics, and not only what’s happening in a space, but also who is there and how access, use,
movement, and ownership differs depending on design, geography, and local socio-economic demographics. at not only what’s happening in a space, but also who is there and how access, use, movement, and ownership differs depending on design, geography, and local socio-economic demographics. Five data collection methods were used to observe functionality, conditions, and behavior: intercept surveys, observational surveys, desktop research, adapted photovoice method and interviews. We engaged directly with users about their experience, researched the local sociodemographic and land use information, and interviewed selected experts and interested/ relevant persons about the current use, history and future of Church Square.
A performance at Church Square during the Infecting the City festival
JMBC Urban Justice Indicators
1. Equity Designing for equity in the public realm examines how a public space increases the overall amount of accessible open space for the neighborhood and if its costs and operating budgets are structured on par with other public spaces in the city. 2. Choice Designing for choice examines whether users and the community have multiple options and flexibility for what they do in the square and how they configure the space for different activities. 3. Access Designing for access measures whether the space can be easily and safely entered without physical obstruction or restrictive regulation, how people get there, and if access to amenities changed or increased. 4. Connectivity Designing for connectivity measures if the place is sufficiently connected to varied modes of transportation and amenities. It also measures whether the square users feel connected to one another, forming exchanges and/or relationships between one another. 5. Diversity Designing for diversity measures whether the space offers a range of activities and program options that reflect the cultures of its neighborhood and/or users. It also measures whether the square attracts a diverse population of users.
6. Ownership Designing for ownership measures how the square promotes one’s belief that the space belongs to their neighborhood and an individual sense of stewardship for the square’s activities and upkeep. 7. Participation Designing for participation examines how people use the space and frequency of use. It examines whether area residents are engaged in the spaces design, programming, management and upkeep. 8. Inclusion and belonging Designing for inclusion & belonging looks at how the square improves one’s sense of being accepted regardless of difference, and a feeling of safety. 9. Beauty Designing for beauty measures whether the square elevates the physical aesthetics of the neighborhood. 10. Creative Innovation Designing for creative innovation examines whether the square deploys unique and creative solutions to address the deficit of active open space in the neighborhood.
Gehl Public Life, Public Space Indicators The following are the metrics Gehl has used to study the relationship between life and form in public space. Public Life Age : Children, adults, seniors Gender: Women, men Movement: Pedestrians, cyclists Public Space Activity: Stationary (sitting, standing) or active (exercising, playing) Physical Conditions: Barriers to walking or cycling (i.e. obstacles on sidewalks), distribution of space (how wide are the sidewalks? The streets? Are there bus lanes or cycle tracks?) Quality of the Design: Protection, Comfort and Delight • How is the space protected from traffic, crime or unpleasant sensory experiences? • How comfortable is it in terms of being able to hear, talk and see? • How much opportunity exists for delight and joy?
Copenhagen, Denmark | Rush hour in Copenhagen
Tychy, Poland | Rest and recreation area as part of the Paprocany Lake Shore Redevelopment
Data collection methods
1. Desktop research A number of sources were used to collect data on demographics, the local population, the neighbourhood and precinct, zoning and other boundaries, traffic and community facilities or spaces.
2. Observational surveys Surveys collected information on whether activity in the square was; “going” i.e. pedestrian through movement, or “staying”i.e. stationary activity by sitting or standing. Data collectors also assessed the quality and condition of seating (both formal and informal), paving materials, general infrastructure, nearby facades, and other qualitative factors that affect the public realm. Surveys were done mainly on weekdays 7am-8pm, in August and September 2016. Due to low activity, minimal observations were conducted on weekends, or after 8pm.
4. Interviews Questions covered their connection or relationship to the space, users of the space, programming, key challenges, proposed placemaking interventions, aspirations for the space, reactions to concepts of inclusion and equity, civic participation and unique narratives or historical facts relating to the spaces. Interviews were conducted individually in October 2016.
5. Adapted photovoice method and survey Over 200 photos posted to Instagram by approximately 150 unique account, and taken at the Church Square location over a 3 year period, were reviewed and analysed. A survey was sent to the 150 Instagram accounts to gather information about the photographer/account and to gather ideas from the broader public who have engaged with Church Square before.
Observations also documented the architectural, surface, and texture of Church Square and surrounding buildings, and video recordings of the approaching pedestrian routes.
3. Intercept surveys The intercept survey gathered information from users about demographics, use of the space, perception of safety and beauty, ideas for improvements and attachment to the space. Over 50 surveys were collected and done on a weekday, between 8 am-6 pm, in September 2016. Informal discussions were also conducted with surrounding shop manages, CCID security and users. A stakeholder interview during the research process
Gehl / JMBC Combined Indicator Framework D Desktop research
I Intercept surveys
O Observational surveys
E Interviews
P Adapted photovoice methods Equity Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Distribution of Open Space
D
Access and Use of Human and Funding Capital
D/E
Demographics
D/I/O/E/P
Design
D/O/E/P
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Design Flexibility and Adaptability
D/O/E/P
Program Choice: Informal and Formal Activities
D/E/P
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Accessible Design
O/P
User Accessibility: # of People with Convenient Access
D/I
Pedestrian Accessibility
D/I/O/E
Access and Adjacency to Other Land Uses
D/O/E
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Transportation Connectivity
D/E
Interpersonal Connectivity
O/E/P
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Demographic Diversity
D/I/O/E/P
Design Diversity
I/O/P
Choice
Access
Connectivity
Diversity
Ownership Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Neighborhood Ownership
I/E
Formal and Informal Ownership
I/E/P
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
User Activity
D/I/E/O/P
Participation in Operations
D/E
Design Facilitating Active Engagement
O/E/P
Rate of Visitors that Stay: “Stickiness”
O
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Demographic Inclusion & Belonging
O/I/E/P
Design Facilitating Inclusion & Belonging
E
Public Safety
D/I/E
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Design Features
O/I/E/P
Appearance
O/I/P
Individual’s Perception of Urban Justice Value
E
Impact
D/I/E/P
Time Spent Outdoors
I/O
Activity
I/E/O/P
Human Health
O
Participation
Inclusion and belonging
Beauty
Creative Innovation
Health and Wellness
Findings
Key Findings
01 02 03 04 05
An equitable space that still needs stronger public-private partnerships
Few people choose to visit and a poor choice of activities
An accessible space but the majority of users are only passing by
Good transport and digital connections but a lack of social interactions
A diverse group of users (limited use by local residents) but poor design diversity
06 07 08 09 10 11
An important place for Capetonians but a limited sense of ownership
Low use during the week, empty during the weekends
A safe place where sense of belonging needs to build overtime
A square well perceived by the public
A square which needs and holds great potential for creative innovations
A small contribution to health and wellness
01 Equity Designing for equity in the public realm examines how the square increases the overall amount of accessible open space for the neighborhood and if its costs and operating budgets are structured on par with other squares in the city. Church Square makes the city more equitable in that it increased the quantity of open space since its transformation from a parking lot aimed at providing a space for the local residential and worker population. While there has since been no major increase in open space in the Central City, Church Square’s transformation has improved the urban environment and acts as a statement to prioritise public space over parking facilities. To determine whether the resources allocated to the square (per sqm or based on use or pedestrian volume) is less than, broadly equivalent to or significantly more than other spaces in the Central City or in fact, across the metropolitan region would require further study.
Equity measured by demographic equity showed that the proportion of users of the space did not mirror the race, gender and income demographics of the East City neighborhood/ Cape Town CBD as the large majority of users from neighbourhoods outside of the Cape Town CBD. This is further supported by the interviews (E) of which most respondents noted that the residential and local worker population (e.g. government workers) were absent users. Equity measured by the distribution of open space in the Cape Town CBD, would indicate that there is already a good distribution of open space and major public spaces of a different nature in close proximity to Church Square e.g. The Company’s Gardens, St. Georges Mall, Grand Parade etc. However, the quantity of space should not be used as the sole indicator of evaluation, but the quality of spaces, along with their user groups and use throughout a 24 hour period should also be considered e.g. efforts to continue to grow the night-time users of spaces - and further, the role of Church Square in contributing to this.
A group of protesters moving by Church Square en route to the Parliament buildings.
Context : Church Square within the context of the Cape Town CBD
01 Equity While open space requirements are important, more attention needs to be paid to the quality of neighborhood open spaces. Equity measured by capital investment i.e. whether it is equitable for the implementation and on-going maintenance costs of the Church Square to be born by the public sector. This, given the demands in historically disadvantaged neighbourhoods - where private sector investment may not be forthcoming. Equity is challenged by the fact that maintenance and operation are ultimately rest with the City of Cape Town (as it is publicly owned land). It can be noted that a significant support system exists for Church Square, namely: • CTP has taken the responsibility of managing the space since its redevelopment, handling most of the small maintenance issues (with support by the CoCT).
Friends enjoying a moment during Open City at First Thursdays.
• CTP uses a small leasing fee from film companies for film shoots to fund public space activations • CTP is also able to utilise CCID services to provide on the ground monitoring with roving top-up security and cleaning • Strong relationships exist with the stakeholders in the area who might be impacted by events and activities on the square Given the above, it is likely that Church Square receives significantly more resources - in addition to financial resources - than other public spaces of this scale in the Cape Town metro and that these resources contribute towards having a stronger fundraising capacity. Note : The proposed investments by Urban Lime are likely the first new contributor or non-public investor in the space.
Limited signage across the square except on this bin
02 Choice Designing for choice examines whether users and the community have multiple options and flexibility for what they do in the square and how they configure the space for different activities. Choice measured by the public life of Church Square found that : • the large majority of people (95%+) do not stay,relative to the number that walk by or through e.g. during a lunchtime weekday period (13:00 - 14:00) approximately 700-750 people walked through or by the square, while 15-20 people stayed in the square indicating that the Square is not “sticky” • more people also choose to spend time in Church Square during the 12:00 - 14:00 as this coincides with their lunch breaks, however, the numbers remain minimal (but the average time spent in the square does not differ as few people spend 45+ minute or more)
•
•
the square is also largely empty or unused on weekends, as the Cape Town CBD is more active during the week, with a large worker population - apart from more activity due to the Sunday Church service(s) the large amount of through foot traffic is experienced during morning peak, afternoon peak, and lunch-time periods, with the majority likely moving to and from public transport, with Church Square acting as large pavement to facilitate this movement.
Based on this, Church Square does not hold a place of mind for locals as a destination nor does it offer an incentive to linger after events.
742 591
The average number of users (est.) going and staying in Church Square during the weekday periods
02 Choice Choice measured by public space design found that those staying in Church Square mainly use the 18 benches (which provide no back support). Due to the lack of shelter or shade, people also use the steps at the statue (which can seat 20-30 people), the ground level edge of the Iziko Social History Centre, the overhang of the Speakers Corner building (used by construction workers) and the steps outside the Graafs Trust building. Groups (only men were noted) were also noted, using the shade of the trees outside the Groote Kerk Church for long periods of time, while the slave blocks were not frequently used as they heat up on warmer days.
People enjoying their lunch on the benches.
Choice measured by design flexibility and public space was found to be very low for Church Square as there are no movable furnishings but only fixed elements, making the space less adaptable for multiple passive and active activities. However, given the large paved footprint, more flexible for commercial uses. While the statute has a perception of being a physical barrier, it does provide seating, and photographs of the space by users, show a reasonable level of appreciation.
“Church Square does not hold a place of mind as a destination nor does it offer an incentive to linger after events�
Lunchtime users of Church Square also making use of the steps at the statue.
02 Choice Choice measured by programming showed that in the period 2015/16 : • Approximately 30 commercial (film shoots) between November 2015 and March 2016 • 10 monthly activations (of a total of 15 from August 2014), coordinated by the Cape Town Partnership, encouraging citizen participation during First Thursdays • 3 student photo shoots and 1 pop-up concert When reviewing a three year period, a wide variety of events have included more memorable events like: The Fringe Festival, First Thursday film screening, Infecting the City Festival performances and Abdullah Ibrahim’s piano performance. In terms of events that are not frequently programmed, there has been a larger variety which includes : street art performances, several protests moving through the square, art installations, film sets, fashion shoots, knitting, food trucks, the ‘Street Store’ and musical or dance performances.
A music event at Church Square.
There were few (if any) unplanned or unprogrammed activities, which provided visitors with a low range of choice but it can be observed that there are tour groups who included Church Square on their route (3-5 per day), and protest groups that move through the space towards Parliament. Performances and art installations during the Infecting the City Festival at Church Square.
03 Access Designing for access measures whether the space can be easily and safely entered without physical obstruction or restrictive regulation, how people get there, and if access to amenities changed or increased.
There is little evidence to suggest that the statute or slave blocks provide a physical barrier, but minor vandalism has been observed with users moving or pushing the blocks off their base.
Accessible design is about physical, barrier-free access, and access to amenities is about access to services and to new land uses or neighborhood services and public space.
Further research would be required to check if access to the square is affected by people’s knowledge and perceptions of the history of the slave trade, and or perceptions of the statute, church or buildings being related to the history of apartheid and colonisation.
Free wifi is currently provided at Church Square by The Piazza body corporate and is well used attracting more users to the square and providing access to other digital services and communication.The wifi service is unsecured (with no login required), and in high demand during the day resulting in slower speeds, and low demand in the evening resulting in good download speeds - supported by people being observed to be making Skype or internet calls. It currently provides a 20mbps speed with planned to increase this to 40mbps. (A speed test conducted at 07:26AM on 08 June 2016, 12 mbps download speed, and 10.44 mbps upload speed) One power point is located on the square and is linked to light poles, with no basic power infrastructure to host events which may require an electricity source. Access measured by accessible design was found to be good but required improvement due to the excessively high number of bollards around the edges of the square and the traffic island on Spin Street. That said, the edge conditions of the square are free from major barriers, provided high visibility for pedestrians and created more direct connections to other amenities and spaces as well access to retail and transport.
However, it was found that the statue, surrounding buildings and the slave blocks are often photographed in an artistic manner, showing an appreciation for the quality of the architecture, form, and their presence. A major challenge facing Church Square is the low percentage of active retail/other edge conditions, in particular created by the deaf facades of Speakers Corner, the Groote Kerk Church, Graafs Trust building, and Iziko Social History Centre (which requires a booking to access), and to a lesser extent the non-active ground level facade of 4 Church Square. Not directly spilling onto Church Square, most establishments that contribute foot traffic are across from the traffic island, with little incentive to move to Church Square due to the inside seating of the KFC, 6 Spin Street, and Bread, Milk, Honey. The internet cafe, the underground restaurant, the Vodacom shop and Cape to Dar Hair Salon on Parliament Street provide some spillover activity, but mainly onto the pavement.
An indication of the street level facades that will be activated in the near future.
Active Edge Conditions: Current Active Low Active Inactive
Active Edge Conditions: Planned Active Low Active Inactive
03 Access It is expected that the activation of Speakers Corner, and 4 Church Square will make a sizeable contribution to the concept of “People Hours”. People Hours : This can be defined as edge conditions that promote inward/outward movement or foot traffic onto the square, calculated as :
sum total for each store ( ( opening hours per day ) x ( number of days open per week ) x ( diversity factors or mix of uses ) x (activity ratio/quotient) ) People Hours Before : 267 hours People Hours After : 841 hours The current proposal would see single and multiple units, with roughly 10-12 separate new street level facing food & beverage outlets in total ranging in size from 40sqm (smallest) up to 500sqm (largest) offering a wide range of food styles from a chicken shop/ Cape Malay kitchen through to fine occasion dining. It is anticipated that the restaurants will operate from 07 AM through to midnight, 7 days a week with seating inside the establishment and on the street and square outside.
Interestingly, based on the survey data, close to half of the users live in neighbourhoods more than 25km from Church Square, while approximately 28% of users live within 5km of the Cape Town CBD, and 16% live within the Cape Town CBD itself. Access measured by user accessibility and public life was also found to be high given that the neighborhood has a high density of tourists and local workers within a 10 minute walk of the square. In around 500 meters from Church Square there is a number of 1,346 hotel rooms (location of the hotels and backpackers to be found on the map). While the square is accessible and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week the current levels of lighting providing by the 16 light poles, are considered too low (recorded in September 2016), and impact the potential for evening activity due to perceptions of safety, further impacting evening access. It should also be noted that there is a general sense of appreciation for the lighting of the Iziko Social History centre, as captured in photographs.
When observing the users of Church Square by time of day, it appears that the square is used within peak hours with high foot traffic but the number and proportion of people sitting or staying remains low (2% in Morning Peak and Lunchtime Peak). • Morning Peak (07:30 -09:00) : “Going” on average 650-700 people and “Staying” on average, 10-20 people • Lunchtime Peak (13:00 - 14:00) : “Going” on average 750 - 800 (est.) and “Staying” on average, 15-25 people (weather dependent)
Man and child walking and cycling through Church Square
03 Access Access measured by pedestrian accessibility and public life/public space was assessed relative to how freely pedestrians could access the square, free from vehicular conflicts. •
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•
•
Most people surveyed walked to the square because most of them were in the CBD just before coming to the square. It was found that the Parliament and Spin Street intersection offered a safe crossing for pedestrians approaching the square no turning vehicles are allowed when there is a signal for pedestrians to cross (i.e. red traffic lights for all cars from all directions). In every 60 second cycle, the green rotation takes 30 seconds for vehicles while the red rotation takes 20 seconds, and the traffic lights provide 10 seconds for pedestrians to cross with both flashing and non flashing walking person. The Plein-Spin street intersection was less safe due to turning vehicles during the green pedestrian signal
Bollards surrounds the street edge of Church Square.
It can be noted that since the transformation of Church Square from a parking lot to public space, the overall vehicular traffic volumes have dropped significantly, in particular from Adderley towards Plein : •
•
•
•
An approximately 45% drop in traffic towards Church Square, from the Adderley-Bureau intersection during morning peak A minor reduction (9%) in traffic leaving Church Square towards the Adderley-Bureau intersection during morning peak An approximately (6%) drop in traffic from the Parliament-Spin intersection towards Plein street, and a (48%) drop in traffic from the intersection towards Adderley street Minimal traffic changes are noted on Parliament Street, with low level use during peak hour
Pedestrian crossing times improved the pedestrian safety in the area.
04 Connectivity Designing for connectivity measures if the place is sufficiently connected to varied modes of transportation and amenities. It also measures whether the square users feel connected to one another, forming exchanges and/or relationships between one another.
This is important since both long travels times to the CBD and lack of social capital (defined by social scientists as ability to connect and develop social connections with others in the community can impact upward mobility of residents in Cape Town. (Putnam, R and Chetty, R)
Connectivity measured by transportation connection is high for Church square, given its CBD location is well located in relation to public transport, and in particular : • Is served by the MyCiTi Bus service: • The lines 102 and 103 along Darling Street (walking distance), • The line 107 along Adderley and Wale and 101 (walking distance) • within walking distance of Golden Arrow bus hub, (400 metres/5 minutes), Cape Town train station and taxi rank (450 metres/6 minutes), and the MyCiTi hub at the Civic Centre (17 minutes, 1.3km)
On the other hand, interviews highlighted the concern that the traffic movement disconnects the two sides of Cape Town CBD and thus disconnects the dialogue between the square and the streets around. This could be due to the fact that Church Square is located between two busy roads i.e. Plein Street and Adderley Street.
Church Squares makes walking to transport, local shops and cultural amenities more direct and pleasant, but it is unlikely that the space fosters meeting or recognising other people, limiting opportunities to build social capital (but is more possible during the Open City activations).
A pedestrian route towards Church Square from the Companys Gardens.
The opportunities for social capital may be further reduced, due to any psychological barriers related to accessing museums, galleries, and other heritage buildings - which may appear as exclusionary, controlled spaces. Connectivity measured by interpersonal connections was observed to be low, with few opportunities given the design of the square and in particular the layout of the benches to meet other people. Where connections were observed, they were mostly in the same group or amongst existing friends.
The pedestrian and vehicle approach route from Adderley Street.
Transport connections : Church Square in relation to MyCiTi bus routes and Cape Town Station.
05 Diversity Designing for diversity measures whether the space offers a range of activities and program options that reflect the cultures of its neighborhood and/or users. It also measures whether the square attracts a diverse population of users.
Given Cape Town’s History of spatial and social segregation project, Church Square may not bring people of differents races/ethnicities together, but it does support income and gender diversity, with many users earning less than the neighborhood median incomes.
When compared to the demographic of the Cape Town CBD, Church Square seems to attract a higher percentage of males and a slightly higher numbers of people over 25 i.e. 74% over the age of 25 vs. 65.5% over the age of 25 in the CBD residential population. However, Church Square was observed to have a higher proportion of younger people in lower end of the 25+ age bracket i.e. 58% between the ages of 25 and 44.
In terms of Income Diversity Church Square appears to attract a reasonable range of people from varying income brackets but mainly within the lower income brackets. It has a higher proportion of users in the lower income brackets i.e. R 1 601 - R12 800 (50% vs. 30% in CBD), and in the higher income brackets a lower proportion of users R12 801 + (15-20% vs. 56% in CBD)
In terms of racial/ethnicity diversity it has a comparable proportion of Black African users, a higher proportion of Coloured users, but significantly lower proportion of White users.
In a traditional sense, the adjacent land uses especially retail shops - may influence who feels invited to spend time in the space however, the larger impact remains the lack of active retail edges and permeability of the buildings that open directly on the square.
Church Square
Cape Town CBD
Gender
68% male, 32% female
53.9% males, 46.1% female
Age
0-4 (0%), 15-24 (22%) , 25-44 (58%), 45-64 (16%), 65+ (4%)
0-4 (2.4%), 5-14 (2%) , 15-24 (25%), 25-64 (65.5%), 65+ (5.2%)
Ethnicity
Asian (2%), Black African (56%), Coloured (28%), White (8%), Other (6%)
Asian (4.1%), Black African (47.1%), Coloured (12.1%), White (31%), Other (5.6%)
Income Group
50% of users fall within the R 1601 to R 12801 monthly household income group, with approximately 15% unemployed, and 15-20% falling in the higher income brackets.
No income (11.2%), R1-1600 (3.7%), R1601-3200 (3.2%), R3201-6400 (8.5%) R6401-12800 (17.4%), R12 801-25600 (20.3%), R25 601-51200 (23%) R51201 102400 (9.1%), R102 401 or more (3.6%), Unemployed (9.1%)
05 Diversity Currently Church Square is close to some food & beverage businesses catering to the worker population (not open after hours), and to certain service stores e.g. a hair salon and internet cafe. Some of the proposed new businesses will be more attractive to tourists and wealthier visitors, with others aimed at lower income groups - which has the potential to expand the diversity of users Church Square. Seniors and children are under-represented in Church Square, which could be explained by the lack of comfortable seatings for seniors and lack of activities for children. As an example, only 5 of 135 photos posted to Instagram over a 3 year period show children or seniors.
Diversity measured by programming diversity was moderate, as the main publicly open events the Open City activation series attracted a First Thursday demographic (younger, upwardly mobile), while the Infecting the City festival, attracted a large diverse audience for its performances and installations at Church Square during the festival. The review of the Instagram activity shows that almost all photos related to a programmed event, with a good level of diversity over 3 years, but a low frequency of events.
Diversity measured by design diversity found that the design elements of the square formally and informally provided a variety of places to sit but given the lack of shelter and general layout, providing few incentive for individual users (not companies/groups) to stand, gather or occupy the space in creative ways.
A lunchtime performance at Church Square during the Infecting the City Festival
06 Ownership Designing for ownership measures how the square promotes one’s belief that the space belongs to their neighborhood and an individual sense of stewardship for the square’s activities and upkeep. Ownership measured by informal ownership was high - Of the 50 users interviewed, only 8 responded ‘No’ to the question “Do you feel attached to Church Square”. For those who felt connected to the square, their sense of ownership was due to the aesthetic of the square (20%), the time users spend at the square (20%), the connection to Cape Town’s heritage (18%) and because they like to relax on the square (18%). Most people felt an attachment to the square, but it is does not seem like the square shares a strong identity to the local neighborhood and residents, despite strong existing relationships with CTP. The sense of ownership was also considered using the question “Are there any secrets that you know of that relate to Church square?”.
Landscaping work at the urban garden on Spin Street.
We learnt that : • There are underground tunnels linking Parliament to Cape Town Station, used during the Apartheid • A homeless woman sits almost every day on a bench and reads the newspapers • The Groote Kerk Church is one of the oldest in Cape Town • The back door of the Slave lodge was used to bring child slaves to a spin factory at the corner of Spin Street (hence its name) • A long time ago, this part of town was a swamp and the last hippo was shot on Church Square • Church Square may have once been used for graves in the ground beneath While not all interviews revealed stories or secrets relating to the square, the willingness of most to share information, and the interest shown in the square’s history shows a sense of interest in the space.
“Do you feel attached to the square?”
An aerial view of a protest moving through Church Square.
07 Participation Designing for participation examines how people use the space and frequency of use. It examines whether area residents are engaged in the spaces design, programming, management and upkeep. Participation is measured by user activity, both the amount of time spent and frequency of time spent in Church Square. The majority of people interviewed in the square visit daily or weekly: 40% of them come weekly, 38% come daily, 14% monthly and 8% rarely. For time spent in the square, weekday afternoons (44% of the users) and mornings (38%) were the most popular, followed by weekends (10%) and weekday evenings (8%). By income, those with lower or no incomes tended to use the square more frequently (daily, weekly) than those with higher incomes e.g. unemployed people use the wifi and benches to search for job opportunities, and had more time to linger, outside of the lunchtime period.
Gehl quality criteria Quality of the Design: Protection, Comfort and Delight • How is the space protected from traffic, crime or unpleasant sensory experiences? • How comfortable is it in terms of being able to hear, talk and see? • How much opportunity exists for delight and joy? Using the Gehl quality criteria Church Square has a good quality of design, despite the exposure to the passing traffic, but few moments exists for delight and joy, due to the harsh nature of the space, and dependence on planned activations or arts event. While the good security contributes to the sense of protection, the lack of shade or shading elements and wind protection makes the square less comfortable for large parts of the year (despite 26 trees in the broader square). The trees already in place can also be reconfigured so that people would not be obliged to sit along the buildings during the midday heat in areas without shade.
Little to no activity observed on weekends.
An impromptu group dance at Church Square.
A public participation installation at Church Square.
07 Participation Participation measured by neighborhood participation in management is currently unknown, but strong relationships have been built with the local businesses and groups by CTP.
Participation measured by how design enables activity can be considered high, in particular for events, given the large open space, and low traffic levels through the Parliament Street edge. However, unless commercial or planned activities, the flexible layout is restricted as it is not possible to create different seating or gathering configurations e.g. for the Congolese/Somali groups that regularly gather. The square has no signage restricting activity. The only signage are the ones attached to the urban ashtrays with a CCID sign.
A film screening during First Thursdays.
Art being created during an Open City event.
08 Inclusion and Belonging Designing for inclusion and belonging looks at how the square improves one’s sense of being accepted regardless of difference, and a feeling of safety.
The low lighting in the evenings does not contribute to a sense of safety, while surveillance cameras are installed in streets around the square, but are not visible to the daily user.
Inclusion and Belonging measured demographic inclusion is noted in sections above.
Of the users interviewed in the square, the positive attributes that contribute to a positive experience and use of the space were mainly : access to wifi (13%) , the trees (12%) , the benches/seating ( 9.8%) and the peaceful/quiet nature of the square (9.8%)
When differences were looked at by time of day, there was no difference observed by income, gender, or race. However, a key theme during the interviews was the lack of usage of the square by the local residential population.
“The residents next to it should use it like an extension of their flat, and have a coffee there on a nice summer evening.” Inclusion and Belonging measured by design elements that promote safety found no significant (although an excessive amount of bollards) physical barriers that prevented users from freely moving in and around the square.
A man seen resting on a pavement on Parliament Street.
The square also has poor lighting levels, as no active storefronts or edges opening onto the square results in no opportunities for spillover lighting to contribute to the pedestrian’s sense of safety. The security presence by the CCID security guards, is more than adequate with three different guards interviewed stating the square is a safe space, with at least 1 guard in the space throughout the day, and night.
An aerial view of the Future Cape Town installation.
08 Inclusion and Belonging Church Square as a space within the Cape Town CBD also benefits from the additional layer of security and other services provided by the CCID. Within the context of the broader metropolitan region, the Cape Town CBD has experienced a big reduction in crimes over the last decade. With specific regard to contact crimes - which have the most potential to reduce the value of a public space - Between 2005 and 2016 (per annum) : • Murders remained low with 11 in 2005 and 7 in 2016 • Assault dropped by 44,5% • Malicious damage to property decreased by 60,6% • Theft of motor vehicle and motorcycles decreased by 50,1% • A slight increase in Robberies from 1512 to 1531 in 2016
Caution should be given to the various ground level spaces that become operational, in terms of retaining the sense of inclusion and belonging by reinforcing the public and open nature of the square e.g. adding signage to seating/dining areas that are public. In terms of spillover lighting, the proposed activated ground level spaces may have a low impact, since only one corner would be activated as a percentage of the total perimeter directly opening up onto Church Square. Further efforts should be made to develop a public guide, or application process to provide an easy-to-understand method for any member of the public or organisation to lease, or use the square. Signage that promote the various activities allowed, rather than those banned, could further enhance the sense of inclusion and belonging.
The CBD area experienced a reduction of 33,6% in contact crime over a ten year period.
A word cloud based on user experiences of Church Square
09 Beauty Designing for beauty measures whether the square elevates the physical aesthetics of the neighborhood.
The levels of satisfaction were similarly high across different demographic categories of age, income, gender and race/ethnicity.
Beauty measured by the aesthetics of design features found very high levels of satisfaction, with a 7.5/10 rating by users of the square for beauty.
Beauty measured by appearance of the square was also overwhelmingly positive as the square received a 8.3/10 rating for cleanliness. While the square is perceived as being a clean space, with little to no litter visible, there appears to be a lack of litter bins, with 4 of the 7 bins on Church Square no longer in use.
One of the architects interviewed found that the “neighborhood around Church Square looked like Pretoria� which implies that the area lacks a distinct architectural character. While the Instagram platform is biased towards its users posting what they consider to be beautiful, memorable and exciting, the fact that Church Square is used as a setting for several photo shoots, film sets, or special events, is significant. While the lighting of the square at night can be considered inadequate for public life, several photos (approximately 10%) of the space at night, show an appreciation for the soft lighting of the Iziko social history centre.
The overall appearance of the square is of a high quality despite lack of high intensity use or "staying". Compared to its condition as a parking lot before 2006, the overall aesthetic has improved.
The various textures, colours, surfaces and materials of the surrounding buildings, and spaces
Piazza Mazzini, Jesolo,stage Italy which | A multi-use stage which A multi-use performance also actsperformance as a public seating area and also deck.acts as a public seating
Gdansk, Poland | A intervention pilot public process square in intervention process. A pilot public square Poland.
10 Creative Innovation Designing for creative innovation examines whether the square deploys unique and creative solutions to address the deficit of active open space in the neighborhood. Some of the main ideas for improvement of the square collected from people in the square included : providing more shelter or shade (13.5%), adding more trees (11.2%), adding drinking water (9%) and adding more benches and chairs (7.9%). The following ideas were also more prominent but not the most popular across all the users : introducing greenery, more affordable food options/kiosks, adding tables, improving security and adding a water feature.
Intervention
New York City, USA | Interactive Public Art called ‘Appearing Rooms’ by designer Jeppe Hein. The average scores from 0 to 10 given to the proposed creative interventions, and additional interventions, based on interviews.
Notes
Level of support
Average rating
the wooden deck structure for public tables and chairs
Strong
7.8
a shading canopy or shelter structure
Strong
7.3
A modular/removable structure that is not too large, and considers the impact of the wind
traffic calming measures
Strong
7.0
excluding traffic bumps, but preference for a common texture with Church Square
introduction of public art
Moderate
6.9
a diverse programme that changes regularly
a stage or platform structure
Moderate
6.2
3D lights projection show
Moderate
6.0
a water feature or fountain
Low
5.6
a public seating staircase
Low
5.2
green areas
Low
5.0
10 Creative Innovation There was a negative response to the proposal for an outdoor gym (3,5/10), as some noted that few people are seen being physically active in this area (e.g. when compared to the Sea Point Promenade) and that it would not seem appropriate to the Heritage aspect of the square. A high level of creativity has been shown over the last 3 to 4 years from both public and private activations at Church Square. One innovative idea in relation to the operation of the square, would be a developmental donation, derived from the fees for film shoots (subject to City of Cape Town support) for the area or square. The challenge in this idea is that film companies would expect more access to the square (as a result of the increased fee), which would then restrict other uses including restaurant spill out space and local stakeholder events.
“I would like to have an underground bicycle garage with showers. I would add artificial grass and cafés on the square and also an outdoor gym for a lunch time exercise. The garage would be great to serve all the CBD people that cycle.” Without any funding constraints, the interview respondents, reiterated their support for active edges, traffic calming, public art and new seating or a reconfiguration of seating to promote public gathering and meetings.
The famous steps of the tkts structure at Times Square.
11 Health and Wellness Designing for Health and Wellness measures if the square provides active and passive outdoor activities that help improve human health conditions. Church Square increases the amount of time people can potentially outside, but without reasonable shelter, Company Gardens and other spaces with active retail edges e.g. St. George’s Mall, will generally be preferred. Health and Wellness measured by activity levels (active versus passive) was found to be low with people predominately sitting, standing, or passing through, and no opportunities to be active, outside of the occasional programmed event (with a negative response to installing an outdoor gym).
New York, USA | The MyEquilibria outdoor fitness equiptment.
Health and Wellness measured by the quality of the environment was found to be average, with presence of trees onto the square and on the island on Spin Street. Yet, the urban greening could be improved to reduce roadside air pollution. Health and Wellness measured by quality of the square, is considered to be medium to high, given the common response that the square provided a peaceful space, but lacks of comfortable areas and no drinking water fountains (both seating and shade) would impact the square based on the time of day. Currently there is no data available to track the relationship between the square and resident and worker population health. This data would have to be collected over many years.
Armentières, France | Water feature in Armentières uniting the old main square, the front of the town hall and the war memorial.
Recommendations
Overview
The goal of our study was to determine how effective and appropriate certain proposed placemaking interventions would be for Church Square. We have outlined a set of recommendations for Church Square, based on core findings revealed over the study period. These recommendations can inform the programming, operations and maintenance, funding; future improvements and investments; and how the various agencies and local residents could co-create the future of Church Square.
As this report has shown, the public realm can be a great equaliser, especially given the vastly different lived experiences for Capetonians. The following pages outline recommendations for all current and future parties involved and passionate about this public space, and what it can become and mean for more people.
Overall, Church Square supports the concepts urban justice and equity, given Cape Town’s history of apartheid spatial planning. While more innovative interventions could be implemented going forward, the quality of square today is due to the dedication of the existing agencies.
Temporary seating options at Matadero Design Park in Madrid.
Movable signage and art at Matadero in Madrid.
Conclusions
With regards to the interventions being considered by Urban Lime, the research has concluded the following per intervention or idea (subject to a suitable design process) :
The proposal for a wooden deck public area with tables and chairs is strongly supported in the short term. The proposal for traffic calming measures at the Spin-Parliament intersection is strongly supported in the medium to long term, subject to further study of the intersection design. The proposed 3D light-show / projection is supported in the short to medium term. The proposed platform/ stage structure connected to the facade of the Iziko building is supported in the short to medium term. While strong support is shown for additional/re-organised seating the square, the proposal for a raked staircase at the SpinParliament corner is not supported at this stage, given potential to create a perceived barrier. Support would be shown for alternative seating proposals including a test of more temporary initiatives at various locations. Note: While both the 3D lightshow / projection and the proposed platform straddled the benchmark of 6.0 each intervention received support from key individuals
An interlocking for a public Cordoba, Spain time | An landscaping interlockingsystem time landscaping space. for a public space. system
A seriesItaly of umbrella-like shelters at a space in Spain.at Favara, | A series of umbrella-like shelters a space in Spain.
Recommendations Immediate term ( 0 - 6 months) 1. Activate and diversify the retail mix of the ground level
2. Implement a pilot interventions process
3. Develop a “How to use Church Square” guide
The current proposals for a diverse retail (food and beverage) offering at the ground level at certain points around Church Square are essential for the longer term revival of Church Square. The additional hours of operation (up until midnight), the spill-over lighting and proposed offering to cater to a various incomes. Care should be taken to ensure any spillover restaurant or retail areas that overlap with Church Square do not create barriers (physical or notional) to the public space.
Prior to investing in permanent or semipermanent interventions, test various temporary, low cost interventions through a trial phase and collect information on the public response e.g. timber staircases, moveable or temporary seats, umbrellas, tables, communal games and other activities.
Create and communicate a simple application process (e.g. infographic format) for the general public to apply to host non-commercial events Church Square, subject to approval from the relevant agency.
4. Clarify the responsibilities among stakeholders
5. Add signage to the square
While the square benefits from the efforts of the Cape Town Partnership and Central City Improvement District, clarification is required on the way forward in terms of the cleaning, security, wifi and general maintenance of the square’s general infrastructure.
Clear simple signage added to strategic points in/around the square could have a positive impact on the user’s sense of ownership and stewardship toward Church Square. Rather than using signage related to prohibited actions or activities only, informative signage could display allowed activities.
6. Increase the level of lighting
An increased level of lighting could have a great impact on the feeling of safety during the evenings, and is considered too low, even with the potential light spillover from new establishments.
Recommendations Immediate term ( 0 - 6 months) 7. Host events which promote movement between buildings and spaces
8. Consider activating blank facades, edges and walls
To unlock the great sense of community in and around the square, consider events and activations which utilise both public and private spaces (e.g. commercial spaces) opening up onto the square, to promote a flow of people across the square, and between these spaces. Examples include tours, talks, exhibitions and other events that promote movement between buildings and spaces.
Blank facades and walls, e.g. the Iziko Slave Lodge, with its back-end facing the square, could be used as a canvas for the square for noncommercial communication.
Recommendations Short term (6 -18 months) 1. Create a “Friends of Church Square� / Cooperative Entity
2. Create a design process for key interventions
3. Improve the wifi
Create a multi-disciplinary cooperative group. This group should have resources (financial, human and knowledge) with which to give input on the operation of the square, future developments within the area and new initiatives for the square. This could include identifying nearby buildings for storage, cofunding square maintenance, co-developing an identity, collection information and forming partnerships to host exhibitions and events in the square.
Decide on an appropriate process to procure designers e.g. design competition / design charrette. In particular, the initial focus should be : 1. Increasing the options for shelter : In the short term interventions to increase the shade at specific points in the square 2. Increasing the options for seating : Seating options should be prioritised and carefully studied while ensuring that seating within the square has clearly identifiable areas as being for public use.
While the current wifi provides reasonable speeds, a faster wifi service could attract more users to the square. Along with additional shelter, seating and tables, and more diverse use group may emerge over time. Faster wifi speeds may also benefit programmed events.
Recommendations Medium term (18 months+) 1. Install more power points and water source
2. Reconsider the landscaping
3. Implement traffic calming
The single power source should be supplemented with more connections or power points to support the hosting of evening events and activities. The lack of water sources at the square impacts events, and the general cleaning of the space.
Further trees could be added to Church Square but preference should be given to re-organising the tree locations to optimise shade onto the square and create a greater sense of place.
While the Spin-Parliament street intersection offers reasonable and safe pedestrian crossing time, the rethink the surface of the roads (and square) may create a more coherent precinct and sense of place, while also slowing down vehicles and encouraging more foot traffic.
4. Create an active edge at the Iziko building
5. Create a stage and/or pavilion for public participation
6. Create process for monitoring
Re-design the ground level interface of the Iziko Social History facade, removing the hard security interventions of glass screens at street level, towards becoming an active edge with the square, but in the interim adapting it to become more welcoming and open.
Actively encourage events happening in Cape Town (e.g. Cape Town Jazz Festival at the CTICC, Contemporary Art Fairs etc.) to extend their reach and offer participation and inclusion for locals by hosting associated or parallel events e.g. free concerts, exhibitions or installations.
Identify means to monitor the usage of the square over time, and to report on the ongoing life and activities.
Appendices
Appendix A : Sample Interview Sheet (Experts)
Appendix B : Sample Survey Sheet
Colophon
Photo Credits : 15 Central City Improvement District, 19 Foster + Partners, 22, 33, 36, 45, 48 The Cape Town Partnership, 24 Tomasz Zakrzewski, 24 Copenhagenize Design Company, 31, 40, 46, 49 Instagram, 38 Urban Lime, 52 Gdyby Group, 52 Metalco, 53 Jon Spence, 54 PaĂşl Rivera/ArchPhoto, 55 Max Lerouge, 55 MyEquilibria, 57 Giuseppe Guarneri and Riccio Blu, 57 ParedesPino Arquitectos,