As the first Chinese district in South Africa, the redevelopment of Chinatown intends to stimulate economic development through a public environment upgrade. The design deliberately emphasizes the street by reclaiming parking spaces and creating shaded walkways flanked by shops. Shadows created by nine trees make symbolic reference to this auspicious number in Chinese culture and are further framed by 2 large stone gateway sculptures. Through primary upgrade elements as well as defined spaces for walking, trading and gathering, subtle cultural specificity is introduced to the precinct.