Project Name: VPUU: Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading
>>Active boxes placed along main road to act as safe houses, fighting crime and improving living conditions through social engagement<<
Project Type:
1) urban planning design strategy
Project Mission/Goal:
1) improve the human spirit
Project Description:
The VPUU project, in the Khayelitsha township Cape Town, uses social engagement and town planning as tools in fighting crime. The aim is to improve the living conditions for residents. A series of "active boxes" -- spaza shops doubling as safe houses and community patrol bases -- are planned along the main pedestrian routes to and from stations and taxi ranks. They will be open 24 hours a day to allow unquestioned access by anyone who feels threatened.
Community “sub-centres” are being planned and built, including businesses, that create employment opportunities, and open, public places and schools for sports and recreation. Residents will be involved in upgrading their areas. A Social Development Fund will be used to upgrade the general environment, such as street lights and sidewalks. Regular organized cultural and social events are planned to contribute to a sense of community and togetherness.
Links:
http://www.vpuu.org
Project Details:
LOCATION: Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa
DATE: 2006–14
END USER: Approximately 200000 people in four neighborhoods of between 25000 and 50000 residents each
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY: City of Cape Town, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (German Development Bank)
PLANNING: AHT Group, Sun Development PTY
ASSOCIATED FIRMS: ARG Design, Charlotte Chamberlain & Nicola Irving Architects, Jonker & Barnes Architects, Macroplan townplanners, Masimanyane Community Participation, Partners for Impact, Naylor & Van Schalkvwyk, Talani Quantity Surveyors, Tarna Klitzner Landscape Architects
ADDITIONAL CONSULTANTS: Masimanyane Management Consultancy
FUNDERS: City of Cape Town; German Development Bank; provincial and national South African funding; private sector funding
PROGRAM COST: 400 million South African rand/ $55.6 million USD
Nominated by Kimberley O'Dowd
