REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
World University Rankings - Top 600

Students win Imagine Durban Sustainability Project Competition

Students win Imagine Durban Sustainability Project Competition

Two groups of students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have won a planning and design competition on the Imagine Durban Project. The students are currently studying Town and Regional Planning at DUT. The award will be presented to the students on World Planning Day, 4 November by the Planning Profession Body.

The Imagine Durban Project has a Demonstration Fund which is sponsored by the Canadian Government to inspire action that aligns with long term sustainable planning. One of the core issues highlighted in the Imagine Durban Long Term Plan is the significant role of public open space with regards to safety, recreation, arts, culture and economic opportunities. It represents a vision for a better Durban that government, civil society organisations, faith based groups, tertiary institutions, business organisations and ordinary folk have identified through the Imagine Durban consultation process.

Since tertiary students are the future professionals that will design, plan and consequently shape the future direction of the eThekwini Municipal area, funds amounting to R15,000.00 were made available for a planning and design competition that challenges students to think innovatively regarding the difficulties and opportunities that are presented by public open space and to promote the implementing of the Imagine Durban plan within Tertiary Institutions. The first winning group will receive a cash prize of R10,000.00 and second place receives R5000.00. The prize money is sponsored by the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency. There was an overwhelming response to the competition by the Durban University of Technology students with 17 entries submitted for consideration.

The competition was open to registered full-time students at UKZN and DUT from any year of study up to and including masters level, studying planning or architecture. Submissions were accepted for individuals or groups consisting of no more than four persons. Students were given the topic: “Promoting the Use of Bulwer Park”. Bulwer Park has been selected as the case study area as it is close to both the UKZN Howard College Campus and DUT Steve Biko Campus thus making it an accessible site for students without transport to visit. Students were expected submit Planning Design Proposals for development of Bulwer Park for a range of uses while sustaining the dominant use of the site as a park. They were required draw their designs on laminated poster not larger than A1. They were expected to align their designs with the goals of the Imagine Durban Plan. Adjudicators were looking for innovation and for submissions that enhanced use of public open space by both women and men, as well as children and the elderly.

Adjudicators were Jonathan Edkins, Deputy Head Architecture; Bernardus Van Heerden, Strategic Development Manager – Architecture and Mark Povall, Town and Regional Planning Commission.

For interviews, please contact the winners below:

Siyabonga Brian Mdakane 0786985437
brianmdakane@webmail.co.za
Olwethu Gumede 0748176139
Ndumiso Hlanguza 07815660338
Nhlankanipho Wiseman Mhlongo 0764306338

Velile Ngcobo 071 959 3493
Sfiso Eugene Nxele 074 3838 698
Lizwi Rudolph Memela076 274 6291
Simo Hopewell Mbelu 076 431 0593

For more information contact:
Robynne Hansmann TRP(SA)
Lecturer / Department of Town and Regional Planning
Durban University of Technology
Tel: 031 373 2666/2673