The sunnier side : designing safer spaces for vulnerable groups in Sunnyside in the City of Tshwane

Abstract

This project aims to enhance the physical, emotional, and financial safety of women, children and vulnerable groups in Sunnyside by transforming the Sunnyside Galleries, a mixed-use building on Robert Sobukwe Street. This area, characterised by high-density residential areas and socio-economic disparities, faces significant crime rates and exclusionary spatial measures that negatively impact the community. Women and children, in particular, suffer from a lack of safe social gathering spaces, forcing them into retail areas (atypical social spaces) while men dominate social spaces linked to liquor and incidents of crime. Addressing these disparities, the project reimagines the Sunnyside Galleries as a central node for safety and inclusivity. Built in 1961 in the Late Brazil Modernist style, the Sunnyside Galleries has both historical and social significance but is currently underutilised and poorly maintained. Its revitalisation offers an opportunity to create a safe, inclusive urban oasis. The Sunnier Side employs principles of adaptive reuse to renovate the building to foster physical safety through improved infrastructure and various spatial strategies identified to promote user comfort, well-being and security such as those based on trauma-informed design. By recovering the heritage building and enhancing green spaces the project aims to create a welcoming environment that encourages community interaction and deters crime. Emotionally, the project aims to provide safe spaces where women and children can gather without fear. Incorporating salutogenic and holistic design principles, the building features accessible and inclusive areas such as a library, health clinic, skills-building workshop and transitional housing. These spaces offer a sense of security and support, addressing the emotional needs of vulnerable groups. Financial safety is addressed through the inclusion of retail spaces, a green-grocer and service providers, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurship and job creation. Informal vendors will be integrated into the design, promoting economic activities that benefit the broader community. Overall, the project leverages the architectural, historical and social significance of the Sunnyside Galleries to create a beacon of safety and inclusivity. By enhancing physical infrastructure, providing emotional support spaces and fostering economic opportunities, this project aims to transform Robert Sobukwe Street into a safer, more equitable environment for all residents.

Keywords: Safety and Security, Inclusive Environments, Salutogenesis, Health and Well-being, User Experience, Urban Oasis, Beacon, Nested Layers