A well adapted ecological urban system meets it’s functional needs within it’s context. Durban's context has shifted from one with plenty of available nutrients, energy and water to one with limits and boundaries that can no longer be ignored. Business-as-usual development can only happen within the context of abundant resources and supply of services. The context has shifted to one with significant constraints on energy, water and waste related services and on critical ecosystem services.

Clients: Tongaat Hullet Developments, Dube Trade Port and eThekwini Municipality's Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department.

A well adapted ecological urban system meets it’s functional needs within it’s context. Durban's context has shifted from one with plenty of available nutrients, energy and water to one with limits and boundaries that can no longer be ignored. Business-as-usual development can only happen within the context of abundant resources and supply of services. The context has shifted to one with significant constraints on energy, water and waste related services and on critical ecosystem services. The developments in the Durban Northern Planning Region are planned to function as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. However, demands for growth are hitting up against the walls of supply of critical services. Therefore business-as-usual or development-as-usual is no longer feasible as there are too many risks and associated costs. The challenges associated with developing the Durban Northern Planning region need radically different thinking around resource efficiency, resilience and sustainability. Resilience is about reducing risk. Resilient and wise planning demands a shift in strategy.