Planning and Design as Defining Parameters for Urban Resilience: The Case of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The chapter aims to examine the impact of urban planning and design on the developing world. Urban planning and design have become increasingly important due to changes occurring in global development. This chapter seeks to explore the significance of urban planning and design in the growth and development of sustainable urban centres. Particular emphasis was given to urban centres in the developing world. Urban planning and urban design are different but closely related disciplines that strive to create sustainable towns and cities. Urbanisation has brought with it challenges that most developing countries, such as Zimbabwe are not equipped to handle. There has been a high rate of urbanisation both in terms of the increase of population in cities and the spread of development in urban areas. This has been accompanied by problems, such as overpopulation, overcrowding, shortages of resources and the growth of slum settlements. The projected 50–70% increase in the urban population by 2050 has revealed the importance of urban planning and design in catering for growing populations, especially those in Africa and Asia. Data for this chapter was collected from primary and secondary sources, such as population statistics, reports, journals and the Regional Town and Country Planning Act. Other data was collected through interviews from practicing town planners and observations from existing urban infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The data collected reveals that some countries and their cities have adapted to urbanisation and its accompanying challenges. Zimbabwe has attempted to adopt urban policies from first world countries. The adoption in Zimbabwe of some aspects of urban policies is practicable, but it is not feasible in other facets since the resources and immediate problems are not the same and there are different ways of dealing with them. It is critical for developing countries to seriously consider urban planning and design to come up with contemporary designs that are resilient to current urban challenges. Contemporary urban planning and urban design should centre on marginalised and disadvantaged areas that are constantly being left out in the planning arena.