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SSP720S - SUSTAIBALBE SETTLEMENT PLANNING - 1ST OPP - NOV 2025 |
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nAmlBIA UnlVERS ITY
OF SC IEnCE Ano TECH n OLOGY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONM ENT
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION
QUALIFICATION : BACHELO R OF TOW N AND REGIONAL PLANN ING
QUALIFICATION CODE: 07BTAR
NQF LEVEL: 7
COURSE CODE: SSP720S
SESSION: OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 2025
COURSE NAME: SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENT
PLA NN ING
PAPER: THEORY
DURATION: 3 HOURS
MARl<S: 100
FIRST OPPORTUNITY EXAMINATION QU ESTION PAPER
EXAMINER{S) M s. GB van Rooi
MODERATOR Ms. H.T.S Keva nh u
NOTES:
1. Read the entire question paper before answ ering t he q uestions
2. Ensure you r nu mber your answers correctly
3. Please w rite clea rly and legib ly
4. You must answer all questions
5. Make sure yo ur Student Number is on th e Examinat ion Book(s)
THIS QUESTION PAPER CONSISTS OF 5 PAGES (including this front page).
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Sustainable Settlement Planning
SSP720S
Question 1
New Urbanists proclaims that Urban Sprawl, mono functional and inefficient urban systems pose
the greatest threats to sustainability in urban centres. These professionals are firmly of the
opinion that the adoption of New Urbanists principles would effectively combat these ills.
(a) Should the City of Windhoek adopt New Urbanism as its urban planning dogma, indicate how
that would ensure a more sustainable Windhoek.
(5)
Despite the well-researched positive impacts, the application of New Urbanist principles could
have on an urban system; there are numerous criticisms levelled against the movement.
(b) Evaluate the critique of New Urbanism. (Highlight the criticism and indicate if it is valid) (5)
[10]
Question 2
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, threatening ecosystems, economies,
and communities worldwide. At the same time, humankind is on the precipice of a big data
revolution, ushered in by Al technology. Big data refers to the vast volumes of data generated
from various sources at high velocity and w ith great variety. It encompasses everything from
satellite imagery and sensor data to social m edia activity and weather forecasts. Analyzing and
interpreting this data is crucial for understanding and addressing climate change.
(a) How should Environmentalists apply Big Data to inform climate change initiatives?
(5)
A Smart City is a municipality that uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to
increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of
government services and citizen welfare. This Big Data revolution and complimentary Al
technology could also make the Smart City concept come to life.
Implementing Smart City Initiative, however, can be cha llenging.
(b) Point out some Smart City Challenges and Concerns; however, abstain from referring to the
digital divide, digital literacy as well as digital exclusion.
(5)
[10]
Question 3
Environmental Scientists have deduced that deforestation, or the clearing of forests, significantly
contributes to climate change.
(a) Provide a justification for the statement.
(6)
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Sustainable Settlement Planning
SSP720S
(b) What do you think about the notion that Social Sustainability cannot be achieved without due
consideration of inter- and intra-generational equity?
(4)
[10]
Question 4
The area depicted by the satellite image, attached as depicted in Figure 1 below represents a
central node on the edge of the Windhoek Central Business District. This node, due to its location,
surrounding land uses and transportation links, are one of the most suitable sites for the
development of a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) node/neighbourhood. The City of
Windhoek has recognized such and resolved to undertake an infill and regeneration project to
create the city's highest order TOD node.
Figure 1: Central Windhoek
Write an advisory note to the Local Authority that detail the aspects that ought to be considered in
the design and development of a TOD node /neighbourhood in the area depicted in Figure 1.
[10]
Question 5
(a) What ideas can you add to the broaden the definition of 'Sustainable Development' as coined by
the Brundtland Commission? Please refer to the Namibian Legislation that provided a context
specific definition of 'Sustainable Development'.
(5)
Several of the principles of Spatial Planning as contained within the Urban & Regional Planning
Act: Act No. 5 of 2018) directly relates to Sustainable Development.
(b) Select and unpack the most important principles of Spatial Planning that directly relates to
Sustainable Development.
(5)
[10]
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Sustainable Settlement Planning
SSP720S
Question 6
(a) Provide an overview of the intersection between Sustainable Development Goal no. 12 and
the United Nations' definition of the 'Green Economy'.
(5)
The circular economy could be regarded as a component of the Green Economy and is indeed a
sustainable economic model that cou ld be pursued to minimize the impact of the economy on the
e n vi r o n m ent.
(b) Defend this statem ent.
(5)
(10]
Question 7
A township development's environmental impact can be likened to an environmental footprint.
Discuss the "Ecological Footprint" concept as likened to a township development.
(10]
Question 8
Urban Planners invariably are complicit in causing the destruction of the natural environment with
the continual development of sprawling townships, which in turn amongst other problems,
increases the amount of Greenhouse Gasses in the atmosphere which in the long run contribute to
climate change. The adoption of a Green Infrastructure Planning Approach could however
significantly aide combating climate change.
(a) The adoption of a Green Infrastructure Planning Approach could significantly aide in combating
climate change.
(5)
(b) Recommend the ideal green infrastructure improvements for any are in proximity to a sensitive
or high ground water table. DO NOT MAKE REFERENCE TO URBAN FORESTS, GREEN WALLS,
GREEN ROOFS NOR MAl<E REFERENCE TO GREEN STREETS.
(5)
(10]
Question 9
The Sustainable Development Goal No. 11 calls on nation states to "Make cities and
human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable".
(a) Prioritise five critical tenets of SDG 11 that is most important to ensure sustainability in
Namibia's urban centres.
(5)
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Sustainable Settlement Planning
SSP720S
Sustainable Development Goal No. 11 should be entrenched in any Urban and Regional Planner's
daily work; however, as an urban planner you need to know of, and understand the other
Sustainable Development Goals {SDG's) too.
(b) Please thus provide your understanding of any other SDG that does not pertain to terrestrial
activities.
(5)
Question 10
Densification is a term used by planners, urban designers, developers and theorists to describe the
increasing density of people living in urban areas.
(a) Deliver a memorandum explaining to councillors that densification do not automatically results
in high rise developments, similar to what is the norm in Asia, but that there are multiple ways
to attain densification. Refer specifically to 'hard densification' and 'soft densification'.
(5)
Urban Densification is well complimented by the adoption of a Zoning Scheme that accommodates
Mixed Land Use as a zoning.
(b) Draw on the concept of Mixed Land Use as contained within the draft Windhoek Zoning Scheme
of 2024 to elevate the positive connotation with densification.
(5)
[10]
TOTAL= 100
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