Abstract
Streets are among the most commonly used elements of a city, and when thoughtfully planned to
welcome users into their public realm, they can function as vibrant public spaces. Historically, streets
have served as key public arenas, such as neighbourhood commercial corridors and marketplaces,
where social and economic life succeeded. However, modern urban development pressures, rising
spatial demand, increased vehicle speeds, and unfavourable social and political conditions have
disrupted this dynamic. As a result, a growing disconnect has emerged between the theoretical ideals of
public space and their physical realities, leaving streets as some of the most contested and challenged
spaces in the urban landscape. Complete Streets policies are spatial designs and guidelines which are
gaining popularity throughout local authorities in the world. The policy aims to promote safety in streets
through highlighting the ineffectiveness of the former approach within communities. This study takes into
consideration theories of streets design and Complete Streets, in order to better understand how streets
in South African cities could be redefined, redesigned, repurposed and considered as public spaces. To
effectively integrate public space planning into broader urban development strategies, structured
systems for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and learning within and between municipalities need to
be established. Involving local residents in these efforts can both create job opportunities and offer
essential insights for context-specific public space solutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate
the nature and the use of streets as public spaces in South African cities through the use of the design
tool of Complete Streets to determine the implications it has on urban planning of streets. To achieve
this objective, a qualitative research approach will be adopted, incorporating site visits, direct
observations, and interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, including residents, commuters,
consumers, business owners, municipal planners, and professionals in development planning and
infrastructure. Among all public spaces, streets are the engines to social hubs, economic activities, and
grounds for civil gatherings by providing access to all through dissolving social-economic gaps and
encouraging social unity. Effective street planning requires a combination of theoretical frameworks,
spatial design strategies, and empirical observations from existing street conditions.