Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

B4 Campaign

Cape Town

South Africa

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
July 27, 2017
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

In 2013, Open Streets Cape Town (OSCT), began hosting car-free days in neighborhoods across the city. The success of Open Streets was particularly meaningful in Bellville, an area with a reputation for being unsafe and unattractive, and it inspired a local nonprofit—Greater Tygerberg Partnership(GTP)—to experiment with LQC ways to reach their mandate to improve Kruskral Avenue. OSCT welcomed the initiative, named the B4 Campaign. Together with GTP, OSCT arrived at an experimental pilot vision of a seating area in the corridor that could add comfort and purpose to the site, invite passersby to linger, and offer refuge to those feeling intimidated by fast-moving cars. The intervention is made entirely of pallets, assembled locally by Maker Library into benches and vertical gardens. The team hoped the intervention would enable other possible improvements in the corridor as well. Since its launch in summer 2016, the intervention has received a lot of positive feedback, and most importantly, it has encouraged users to reimagine Kruskral Ave as a destination.

B4 instilled a sense of participation between the community and possible improvements for Kruskal Ave, like this garden maintained by users of the space

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

The intervention utilizes simple wooden pallets. The team painted benches in a bright blue and the garden boxes were labeled with signs inviting users to water the plants, creating a sense of participation and ownership between the community and the intervention.

How Quick?

The intervention took just three months to organize and implement. A key aspect of this quick turn-around was the strong relationship between its organizers and local government. The partnership allowed OSCT to avoid waiting on permit approvals.

How Cheap?

The project operated on a small budget of just $2000.

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7_9FsNEIm4

Photo credits, all: OSCT

Website: openstreets.org.za

Facebook: facebook.com/OpenStreetsCapeTown

Twitter: @OpenStreetsCT

B4 Campaign
The LQC intervention allowed people to stop and meet, instead of rushing through the busy transit corridor
B4 Campaign
B4 instilled a sense of participation between the community and possible improvements for Kruskal Ave, like this garden maintained by users of the space
B4 Campaign
B4 Campaign
B4 Campaign
B4 Campaign
B4 Campaign
B4 Campaign

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

Corrections or additions? Email [email protected]
Comments