Abstract:
The chosen site, the former Nature and Culture History Museum is positioned next to the National Zoological Gardens in Boom Street, Pretoria. The once successful museum building has now been left deserted, resulting in a 'big white elephant' occupying space in the city. The valuable building is filled with potential, which will be used to its fullest during the project. At the same time, the city inhabitants distance themselves more and more from nature, loosing their inner balance in life. All happenings in our lives leave marks on us. These marks form an impression, a change and/or an emotional layer. Marks allow reflections back on the past. It is essential to find balance again by going back to nature, going back to our roots. Sand marks, the touch of mother earth, follow the dissertation throughout, leaving marks on the reader. The aim is to bring life back into the building and to strengthen the wounded through activities targeting the senses, intellect, creativity, offered at the 'Healing Activities Centre'.
