or people watching – that give these inner-city developments a sense of community . There has been huge demand for business , retail and residential spaces within Melrose Arch . So much so that a new residential complex – One on Whiteley - within the precinct is currently under construction .
But just what makes a smart city ? Combining the perks of modern technology with the feel of old-time village living – with walkable , pedestrianised streets and green spaces . But “ green ”, by definition , can mean many things . It ’ s the colour you allegedly turn when you ’ re sick , envious or inexperienced . You are encouraged to “ eat your greens ” to stay in good health . You can green an urban area by planting trees , or even green your home to make a positive impact on the environment . The world over , developers are under pressure to drastically minimise water usage and incorporate ecofriendly technologies that will benefit the planet in the long-term . “ Modern trends in development and construction are predominantly focused on issues relating to sustainability ,” shares Stopforth . “ Residents and investors want to know what is being done to reduce impact on the environment .”
Everything about development today is about sustainability and about energy-wise innovation , water saving technology , heat-reducing aspects , and the like . And when you use sustainable technology , you also reduce the cost of occupation long-term and obtain a competitive edge .” Sustainability and eco-friendly innovation is a key focus area of Amdec ’ s developments , with green building initiatives including refuse recycling , water-saving devices , low-energy LED lighting , and rainwater harvesting . With water scarcity being the new normal for South Africa , developers must be implementing water-wise strategies from the ground up . Harbour Arch , for example , has been designed to harvest rain water to reduce the load on municipal supply . There ’ s huge benefit in executing water-saving measures at the construction stage , rather than retro-fitting . Not only is it better to have systems in place at the start , but it saves money in the long run ,” Stopforth explains . Recycled water - either rain harvested or grey water - will be used for flushing , gardening and landscaping .
“ Ultimately , we need to reduce our impact . It ’ s better for business , and it ’ s better for the planet ,” concludes Stopforth .
About The Amdec Group
Founded in 1989 , the Amdec Group is a privatelyowned property development and investment business recognised as South Africa ’ s leading developer of New Urban lifestyles . Their prestigious portfolio includes the iconic Melrose Arch in Johannesburg , Evergreen Lifestyle , South Africa ’ s leading retirement lifestyle brand ; The Yacht Club and Harbour Arch in Cape Town , Westbrook in Port Elizabeth , Val de Vie and Pearl Valley in the Cape Winelands , and XtraSpace , a national provider of self-storage solutions .
Amdec Property Developments is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Amdec Group and is responsible for the conception , design , development , and project management of the Group ’ s iconic mixed-use precincts .
2018 MAY 11