Human settlements 'Red Book' available free online

24 November 2009

The Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design, also known as the 'Red Book' is now available free of charge on the website of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The hard copy version - two hefty ring-bound volumes - used to be sold by the CSIR for R720 to cover the printing costs. With the last printed stock depleted again, it has been decided to make it available online.

"To ensure that the guidelines remain accessible to as many users as possible, the CSIR and the Department of Human Settlements agreed that the entire document can be downloaded from the web for free or ordered on CD (at R150)," explains Tinus Kruger of CSIR Built Environment.

"Under the patronage of the then National Department of Housing, the CSIR was responsible for coordinating the development of the Red Book," comments Kruger. It was developed over a period of more than two years and while it was published already in 2000, it is still in demand by professionals in the human settlements planning and design arena. An updated version is planned within the next year or two.

"The Red Book provides performance-based guidelines for informed decision-making. The guidelines indicate the qualities that should be sought in South African settlements, and provide practical advice on how these qualities can be achieved," says Kruger.

The document does not merely assist professionals in producing efficiently serviced townships, but also in creating sustainable and vibrant human settlements. "It is intended to be educative, providing ideas and useful information, and not as a substitute for innovative planning and engineering practice," comments Kruger.

People who will find the book useful include architects, town planners, urban designers, engineers and developers in both the private and public sectors.

Volume 1 focuses primarily on planning issues, while volume 2 deals with engineering services.

The following topics are covered in the various chapters:

Volume 1

Framework for settlement-making

Spatial and structural principles for settlement-making

Planning method and participation

Planning guidelines:

Movement networks

Public transport

Hard open spaces

Soft open spaces

Public facilities

Land subdivision

Public utilities

Cross-cutting issues:

Environmental design for safer communities

Fire safety

Ecologically sound urban development

Volume 2

Storm water management

Roads (geometric design, layout planning, materials and construction)

Water supply

Sanitation

Solid waste management

Energy

Orders for CDs may be placed with Lydia Sibanyoni at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


NOTES:

The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) is one of the leading R&D, technology and innovation institutions in Africa, with a track record spanning over 60 years. Structured to manage the entire research and innovation value chain, the CSIR strives for excellence in all its endeavours in order to improve the quality of life of South
Africa’s people and to increase the global competitiveness of South African industry. See www.csir.co.za or contact tel 012-841-2000. The CSIR - our future through science.