Page 113 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Redesigning public spaces in South Africa

inclusivity, accessibility, and safety in public spaces. The communities across South Africa. The model is founded
model integrates a broad spectrum of influences, drawing on the core principle of hope, aspiring to transform urban
from empirical research findings, insights from literature landscapes into dynamic, welcoming spaces where all
reviews, and indicators derived from successful public individuals—particularly women and girls—can thrive.
spaces both within South Africa and internationally. The The HopeScape framework seeks to break down existing
HopeScape model is underpinned by the notion that public barriers to inclusion, promote social cohesion, and enhance
spaces should cater to the diverse needs of all members of the well-being of communities by focusing on accessibility,
society, with particular attention given to ensuring that safety, identity, expression, and inclusive facilities. The
women and girls feel safe, included, and empowered in HopeScape model envisions a future where public spaces
these environments. By focusing on key indicators such as act as catalysts for positive change, encouraging collective
accessibility, safety and security, inclusive amenities, clear prosperity through innovative designs, collaborative
signage, wayfinding, and multifunctionality, the model efforts, and an unwavering commitment to equality.
outlines a comprehensive framework to guide urban The motivation for the HopeScape model stems from
planners and policymakers. It provides practical strategies the widespread concern regarding the exclusion and
for transforming public spaces into areas that foster a sense
of belonging, promote social interaction, and improve marginalization experienced by women, girls, and other
overall quality of life. vulnerable groups in South African public spaces. In many
urban environments, public spaces fail to adequately cater to
Figure 2 illustrates the HopeScape model, the diverse needs of all individuals, resulting in feelings of
demonstrating how these key indicators interact to create alienation and disempowerment. Therefore, the HopeScape
a cohesive and inclusive environment. Through the careful model aims to reimagine the function and purpose of public
application of these principles, public spaces can be spaces by addressing these challenges. By recognizing that
designed to better reflect the needs and aspirations of all public spaces should serve as inclusive platforms for all
community members. The HopeScape model encourages members of society, HopeScape sets out to reshape urban
an integrated approach to urban planning, which is crucial areas in a way that reflects the aspirations, identities, and
for creating cities that are truly inclusive, safe, and vibrant lived experiences of their residents. Nurturing a sense
for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or ability. of optimism and belonging is central to fostering social
3.4.1. Background and rationale of the HopeScape cohesion and improving quality of life. The HopeScape
model model underscores the importance of creating environments
where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to interact
The HopeScape model represents a visionary approach with one another. The model proposes that the design of
to designing inclusive public spaces that foster hope, public spaces must promote not only physical accessibility
empowerment, and a sense of belonging within but also social inclusion. By embedding these principles into
public space design and urban policy, HopeScape aims to
create spaces that embody diversity, fairness, and inclusion,
thereby contributing to more equitable urban access and
enhancing the collective well-being of society.
The HopeScape model’s inclusive design indicators are
drawn from a combination of international best practices
and South African case studies. These indicators serve
as the foundation for building public spaces that are
accessible, safe, and welcoming for all. One key indicator
is accessibility, which emphasizes the importance of
making public spaces navigable and usable for individuals
of all ages, abilities, and mobility levels. This indicator
was developed based on a detailed analysis of accessibility
data, which revealed that physical barriers remain one of
the primary obstacles to public space inclusion in South
Africa. To address these challenges, the HopeScape
model advocates for universal design principles, inclusive
Figure 2. The six inclusive design indicators outlined in the HopeScape infrastructure, and community engagement to ensure that
model the needs of diverse users are met.

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 107 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5813