7 THE PROPOSAL

7.1 THE CONCEPT

The development proposed on Erven 1331, 2944 and 3556 Knysna and the creation of a public park will enterprise to retain the unique character of Knysna, while still being modern in design, and will address the huge demand for business and residential property in this picturesque part of South Africa. With innovative urban design, pedestrianisation of surrounding streets, tasteful architecture and landscaping, the development and the specific interaction between the buildings, the proposed Public Park and the lagoon will create a unique and pleasant environment. The proposal design will be contemporary in nature but will be constructed using traditional materials and details.

The ideas of sustainability and economic generators are concepts that cannot be ignored in the challenging planning field and will be incorporated into the proposed mixed land use development.

Within the concept of sustainable development there is a need to increase residential density and to link density to level of accessibility. There is however no such thing as an ideal density. Each site and development should aim to find a density that is environmentally, socially and financially acceptable to the location. The concept will strive to be sensitive to the surroundings, create a precinct with a distinct sense of place with variety and vitality, promote sustainability through the latest modern technology and create a convenient and crime-free environment, which are accessible and safe to its inhabitants and visitors and at the same time allow them to conduct daily activities quickly and easily. Beneath a summary diagram of the development proposal: