JEWEL CITY

Located

CBD,

Jewel City precinct consists of six city blocks of various industrial buildings, some dating back to the 1930s, that was closed off to the public in the mid-90s and has remained an isolated and forgotten node until now. The precinct has been revitalised through the refurbishment and introduction of public open areas, multi-use offices, parking, schooling, and retail spaces as well as a major new development of housing based on sound urban and city principles. Extra care has been taken to ensure the development's total integration within the city and adjacent Maboneng. This is achieved through its strategy to introduce and reinforce a public pedestrian walkway and courtyards with seating, landscaping, and mural artworks and fountains that encourage people to slow down and use these spaces.

Despite being a private venture, conscious decisions were made to reduce and eliminate the standard defensive spaces we usually encounter in public open spaces. Its social upliftment success can be attributed to the decision to open the edges of the previously exclusive precinct. The project makes clear commentary on what can be done well with intentions that expand beyond the commercial. As urban infrastructure, the project shifts perceptions on how people can be provided for without compromising the physical value and benefit for developers. Through the introduction of a public square as an authentic and approachable public destination, civic life can flourish allowing people to gather for social and cultural activities. These decisions make for resilient inner city social and urban spaces.