Built environment

National overview provided of spatial trends and settlements A report produced by the CSIR in collaboration with the HSRC and Econrise, namely 'A National Overview of Spatial Trends and Settlement Characteristics, 2008', has highlighted the need for differentiated development approaches and will inform government's draft urban, as well as other development strategies.

Ultra-thin concrete roads improve lives of communities and create jobs Technology that involves ultra-thin, reinforced concrete roads has been developed and tested successfully by the CSIR over the past few years. The Gauteng Department of Public Transport Roads and Works has identified this technology for its roads upgrading programme.

'Green' construction industry in SA reviewed At the core of a study undertaken by the CSIR for the International Labour Organization, a UN body based in Geneva, is construction that delivers environmentally-friendly buildings and technology that creates decent employment through the 'green' building industry.

Wall selected Fellow of CSIR Built Environment Dr Kevin Wall has been selected a Fellow of CSIR Built Environment. The key roles of a CSIR operating unit fellow include enhancing the unit's image, mentoring, networking, providing leadership and executing activities aimed at shaping the technology direction of the unit.

International focus on road and airport pavement research Some of the latest international research on hot mix asphalt (HMA) road and airport pavements will be discussed at the CSIR on 4 March 2009. The one-day seminar will form part of the 11th annual meeting of the editorial board of the International Journal of Road Materials and Pavement Design (RMPD).