Defining Sustainable Placemaking in Spatial Planning: Lessons from a South African Case Study

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This is a very well-researched and written paper and merits publication with only minor edits. I have detailed these on the PDF using sticky notes. Some are trivial (e.g. plural instead of singular forms of words) or use of inappropriate words; adding one or two suggested references, etc, while others identify errors (e.g. in-text references to Fig 3 instead of Fig 4; needing to mention early on that a map of Marabastad's location is provided later (or to move the map further forwards), and to explain that this Marabastad is not the same as the arguably better-known former township in Pretoria.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Thank you for your thorough review and insightful comments on our manuscript, "Defining sustainable placemaking in spatial planning: Lessons from a South African case study" We have carefully considered and addressed each of your suggestions and have made the necessary revisions to enhance the clarity and quality of our paper. Below is a summary of how the two reviewers’ comments were addressed – refer to Word version of our Manuscript for our responses to each individual comment.

 

Reviewer 1:

 

1. General comments: Minor edits including grammatical corrections and appropriate word usage have been made throughout the manuscript.
2. Reference errors: Corrected in-text references to figures (e.g., changed references from Fig 3 to Fig 4 where necessary). Figure 5 revised to reflect additional details described in-text.
3. Clarifications on Marabastad: We have included a footnote early in the manuscript to clarify that the Marabastad discussed is different from the one in Pretoria. The map of Marabastad's location is now mentioned earlier in the text to avoid confusion.
4. Additional references: Added key references on segregated and Apartheid cities, specifically Davies (1981) and Drakakis-Smith (1992).
5. Social justice explanation: Expanded the discussion on social justice to unpack its implications for equity and reduced inequality.
6. Short interviews justification: Added a detailed explanation for the use of short semi-structured interviews within the research methodology, emphasising the complementary role these interviews played in supporting the ten unstructured in-depth interviews, non-participant observations and inclusive participatory approach.
7. Ethical considerations: Clarified the ethics process followed, including informed consent from interviewees and formal ethics clearance from the NWU in Response 17 found in the Word document.
8. Clarifications & elaborations: Provided additional explanations where comments indicated a need for further clarity, e.g. the challenges of redevelopment, specifics of spatial restrictions and the role of the various change agents responsible for the process of sustainable placemaking.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article emphasizes the idea of ​​sustainable placemaking, highlighting the importance of this perspective – of action and knowledge – in the Global South. To this end, they use the case of South Africa as a reference for reflection, particularizing the study in the case of Marabastad. The article discusses the three dimensions of sustainability – environmental, economic and social – framing these dimensions in terms of the characterization of the case study and, then, in terms of the fieldwork carried out, where the main topics mentioned by the interviewees and captured through of non-participant observation. The article is very interesting and brings practical and guiding perspectives for reflection. Perhaps when it is said that in the Global South there is not much literature on the placemaking subject, one should consider that it probably does not exist in the authors' language, that is, it does not exist in English. Because there are many experiences in the Global South, for example, in Latin America, many of which are reflected in interesting articles. One aspect that seemed less clear to us has to do with certain aspects that the article refers to as being important for placemaking. That is, some of the themes that they extract as being important for the promotion of placemaking. However, specific to a placemaking process, as they relate to more general local and national society issues: How can these issues be transferred to placemaking? 

Author Response

Comments 1: Perhaps when it is said that in the Global South there is not much literature on the placemaking subject, one should consider that it probably does not exist in the authors' language, that is, it does not exist in English. Because there are many experiences in the Global South, for example, in Latin America, many of which are reflected in interesting articles. 

Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have therefore included the words 'sustainable placemaking' is a relative recent term in literature (available for download in the English language)... - see line 42 that forms part of "1. Introduction and background"

Comment 2: One aspect that seemed less clear to us has to do with certain aspects that the article refers to as being important for placemaking. That is, some of the themes that they extract as being important for the promotion of placemaking. However, specific to a placemaking process, as they relate to more general local and national society issues: How can these issues be transferred to placemaking? 

Response 2: Thank you for posing this question. To transfer general local and national society issues into placemaking processes, the involvement of various change agents is crucial. Local residents should actively participate in identifying societal issues that impact their community. Their insights can inform placemaking initiatives that address specific challenges and leverage local strengths. Collaboration between government, NGOs, businesses, and community groups is essential to bridge societal concerns with placemaking activities. By working together, these entities can leverage resources, expertise, and networks to implement holistic solutions that benefit the community.

Understanding the unique cultural, historical, and socio-economic context of a place is vital in translating societal issues into placemaking strategies. Tailoring interventions to suit the specific needs and aspirations of the community ensures relevance and sustainability of placemaking initiatives. 

"6. Discussion" - Lines 599 - 629 was added to clarify the role of the various change agents.

Successful placemaking initiatives is possible through active collaboration among various change agents. Change agents may include spatial planners, local community (community engagement), Government Authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOS), and the private sector.

Spatial Planners

Planners play a crucial role in facilitating, implementing and overseeing placemaking interventions within communities [34]. They can help coordinate efforts, propose strategies, and ensure that the interventions are aligned with the specific needs and context of the community [18].

Local Community (Community engagement)

The local community are key change agents who should actively participate in the decision-making process regarding placemaking interventions. Active involvement can ensure that interventions are culturally responsive, sustainable, and address the community’s economic and social needs [37, 57, 89].

Government Authorities

Local government bodies and policymakers have the authority to enact policies that support sustainable placemaking initiatives. As change agents, Local Authorities can provide resources, regulations, and incentives to enable the successful implementation of interventions aimed at creating liveable and resilient human settlements [33, 118].

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

NGOs focusing on community development and sustainable practices can also play a significant role in supporting placemaking interventions. Such organisations can offer expertise, funding, and technical assistance to ensure the long-term success and impact of the interventions [15].

Private Sector

Private businesses and investors have the potential to contribute to placemaking through funding or implementing projects that align with sustainable development goals. Their involvement can drive economic revitalisation and create opportunities for local livelihoods within the community [47, 54].

Followed by the lessons from the Marabastad case study that emerged from the study. We believe that the insertion of this section will sufficiently address the raised question.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf