Architectural approach that facilitates traditional medicine and biomedicine integration towards a design for an UNAIDS Research Institute in the Valley of a Thousand Hills - Bothas Hill, KZN.
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Date
2014
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Abstract
The purpose of this research document is to determine an appropriate architectural approach
for the design of an UNAIDS Research Institute, in Valley of a Thousand Hills, Bothas Hill,
KZN. Medical research is essential in the pursuit to discover new diagnostic procedures and
treatment to advance the quality of people‘s lives. Biomedical research has always dominated
the South African medical practice and pharmaceuticals although other medicinal systems
such as traditional medicine practice existed first in the country (WHO 2001).
After being demoralized and being inferior to biomedicine for a long time, in 2008 10th of
July, the Department of Health (DoH) presented a draft policy to institutionalize African
traditional medicine in the healthcare system of the country (DoH 2008). Since then, the main
challenge that is facing both traditional medicine and biomedicine practices has been the
HIV/AIDS epidemic. Furthermore, up to 90% of people living with HIV/AIDS consult
traditional health practitioners first before visiting biomedical practitioners (Morris 2001).
The South African Medical Research Council (MRC SA)‘s concern regarding several
uncertified traditional medicine products on the market has led them to propose the validation
of the traditional medicines using sound scientific methods acceptable to international
standards through their Indigenous Knowledge Systems of Health Lead Programme (IKS
Lead Programme) (MRC SA 2013) .
Consequently, this research‘s aim is to study the processes and environment for traditional
medicine and biomedicine research in order to integrate them in one built-form for further
investigation. Additionally, this research investigates the design tools for suitable builtenvironment
approaches through the exploration of the theories of Biophilia, Genius loci and
Critical Regionalism with the aim of creating built-form that respects its environment,
improves user‘s wellbeing and enhances the research of both traditional medicine and
biomedicine. Furthermore this research studies the existing research facilities precedents
based on chosen theories principles. Finally, this research studies the local case studies that
facilitate traditional medicine preparation in non-scientific method: KwaZihlahla Zemithi
Pharmacy, scientific traditional medicine research: UKZN Traditional Medicine Laboratory
and strictly biomedical research K- Rith Tower Building.
Description
Master of Architecture.
Keywords
Architecture -- Designs and plans., Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS., Biology -- Research -- Sociological aspects., Health facilities -- Design and construction., Health facilities -- Landscape architecture., Theses -- Architecture., UNAIDS Research Institute in the Valley of Thousand Hills.