- Planing for Sustainable communities: Layout and design approaches   464 kb by    Schlebusch, Sanmarie | 21695377@nwu.ac.za    Short Outline Policies and strategies should not merely endeavour to eradicate poverty, create jobs or deliver houses, but embrace decisive lively and sustainable initiatives that will effectively transform an area in a liveable and lively community where noticeable changes are observed to aspire and to stimulate active community participation. Abstract The composition and dynamics of the urban environment have become increasingly complex. The planning and development approach of a specific area and its ajacent areas should primarily promote specific lively elements that will effectively enhance liveability, sustain meaningful and continuous community development and subsequently attract and retain more people to that particular place. However, cultural diversity in rigions, cities, towns and local communities has emphasised the need to reconsider and redesign, planning and design approaches that aim to harmonize the natural environment and resources of an area with the diverse needs and aspirations of the community. Resourceful design approaches, strategies and policies employed in the planning of sustainable communities and the redevelopment of existing areas, will ultimately lead to well managed and protected, healthier, safer, greener, economic sustainable and liveable communities. Varied use of activities and facilities such as employment centres, residential neighbourhoods, natural areas, parks, local trails, schools, and public places can lead to a physical connection to create authentic neighbourhoods. Sustainable communities tend to have lower transportation costs, less traffic, are more economic in terms of housing and market demands, decreasing costs in terms of infrastructure, reduced air pollution and the ability to create a safer environment. This research aims to explore and understand international and local integrated planning and design approaches currently utilised to guide the planning of sustainable communities. Reviewing different international and local layout and design approaches will aid to define and create improved planning approaches for sustainable communities. Place making and planning approaches should closely observe social and environmental complexities of modern society. Public participation therefor plays an essential role in determining the basic needs of the community and must be included as a fundamental building block in the planning process. The long-term strategy should be transparent and directed to encourage the involvement of local government, the community and inventive professional consultants such as, environmental specialists, town planners, economists, engineers and architects. Keywords Case Study presented on the ISOCARP Congress 2013: Frontiers of Planning - Evolving and declining models of city planning practice   Click to open the full paper as pdf document   Click to send an email to the author(s) of this paper