Public spaces have changed significantly over the past 20 years in South Africa because of new urban
conditions brought about by a range of political, economic and cultural changes. As urban design has the potential
to play a key role in the transformation of public space, the article explores this role within the South African
context as perceived by practising urban designers. Although it is pointed out that urban design has a significant
role to play in terms of framing the vision for future spaces and improving their function, it also identifies a
number of challenges related to opposing worldviews and contrasting ways of understanding space, as well as
different claims for urban spaces from various groups. Given this duality between European and African
visions of space, it requires a purposeful reconsideration of the meaning and nature of public space for various
groups within the South African context

• The transformation of public space in South Africa and the role of urban design