Gabarone, Botswana | 2021
Collaborators: Gabana Architects | Bothakga Burrow Botswana | URBA Architecture and Urban Design
Client: Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) Botswana
The Lobatse SEZ is poised to play a pivotal role as one of the key contributors to the economic development of the southern part of Botswana as well as the whole country. The Lobatse and Gaborone districts are developing rapidly and accept an increasing number of private companies including both locally and internationally. The Lobatse SEZ shall also form an important part of the Government of Botswana’s plan for providing impetus to manufacturing in the region.
The landscape plays an important role in bringing spatial and visual cohesion to the Lobatse SEZ and creating a “sense of place.” This is done through a landscape design which carefully considers the local context and character, and modifies it to fit a modern, climate-conscious, world-class development.
The landscape guidelines for Lobatse SEZ ensure that the landscape throughout the developement is consistent, high-quality and in accordance with local legislation and best practice. Key landscape proposals include:
Ecological corridors which connect the existing hills and ridges;
Open spaces which includes parks, squares/plazas and conservation areas;
Stormwater facilities which collect, convey, filter, infiltrate and store stormwater;
Streetscapes which promote pedestrian and cyclist comfort, convenience and safety; and
A unified street furniture and plant palette.