Summary: | This study takes as its starting point the hypothesis that the Table Valley area of Cape Town is in need of fresh policies and planning. It avoids preconceptions by looking critically at the work, methods and principles of present-day planning in South Africa, and sets out to establish far broader standards for the good life by returning to fundamentals: man's need for being part of a human community and his need of a rich and varied life. It then sets out to measure the environment of Table Valley against these values to ascertain both subjectively and objectively whether it is a satisfactory place to live in, and if not, what its shortcomings are. In the course of this assessment, it considers both the built and natural environment, and looks at selected components in detail when appropriate, providing a small research component. In identifying the shortcomings and problems It is not content to consider only the negative issues, but also the many positive opportunities apparent. Finally, it outlines suitable overall policy for Table Valley, making It clear what role this area should play in the future, and also the roles of subareas in an around it. It then puts forward an energetic programme for action to achieve the desired ends and overcome the problems, outlining briefly the tasks and responsibilities of some of the professional planners and designers who would next become involved.
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