Mining Towns and Villages

dds ​​​​​​​​​​has undertaken a number of mining accommodation related related projects over the past few years. The projects have differed in scale and context, but essentially the various spatial configurations and urban design strategies grapple with the reality of what happens to the infrastructure and investment if the mine ceases operation. 

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Our urban design initiatives have primarily focused

on the two interrelated ideas, namely:

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• Ensuring the maximum degree of integration with and benefit for adjoining towns.​
• Creating a strategic framework of civil, landscaping and community facility investment that supports current as well as future land uses.

 

We have also explored and developed a range of housing typologies that address issues relating to creating a more stable and permanent community, whilst allowing for future re-use / relocation if required.

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In summary the projects reflected on this page, are underpinned by the following concepts:

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• Improving the `standard` workers accommodation configuration ​via a `super block` approach, with a series of interlocking `green` recreation spaces and squares.​
• An urban configuration that accommodates permanent housing, now and into the future.
• A spatial configuration that accommodates future relocation and re-use of residential accommodation, whilst ensuring a continuity of infrastructural investment to support a pre-determined change of land use.