African identity in architecture : Guiding principles for the architectural design of traditional health practices in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

The practice of traditional medicine, in its various forms and to varying degrees, has always been an integral part of the majority of South African’s lives. Among indigenous people, the practice of traditional medicine is highly revered, however, these African traditions were not valued under colonial rule. This has resulted in the largely informal, underdeveloped, and unregulated traditional healthcare sector that persist today. Currently, there are no purpose-built spaces for traditional health practices. The aim of this study is to assess the state of the practice of traditional medicine in South Africa, and through semi-structured interviews, develop guiding architectural design principles for the construction of consulting spaces for traditional health practitioners in an urban context in Gauteng. The following research question guided the study: What are the guiding principles for the spatial and material design of consultation spaces for traditional health practices in Gauteng that can enhance meaning response through a strong African identity?

A qualitatively inductive and deductive content analysis of the interviews provided rich primary data for interrogation guided by the research question. The findings reveal that, firstly, the practice of traditional medicine is still pertinent to the indigenous people, including those in an urban setting such as Gauteng. Secondly, there are guiding principles that define the practice of traditional medicine. These include location, orientation, preferred indigenous fractals, steaming and bathing facilities, storage of muti (traditional medicine), outside spaces and landscape, and amabhayi (printed cloths with strong cultural motifs). Thirdly, there are unique colours, materials, and artefacts that are significant to the practice of traditional medicine. Lastly, indigenous healers are facing unique challenges when practicing and performing rituals in urban settings. In conclusion, the study makes recommendations regarding the design process, the arrangement of internal spaces, indigenous symbols, construction materials, the interior décor, the design of the landscape, the construction process, and post-construction maintenance.