Exploring how post drug addicted healing and reintegration inform architectural design: towards a contemporary rehabilitation centre for Durban.
Abstract
Currently 40% of south Africa’s population living in rural and urban areas are involved int the
use of substances or are post substance users and this number is increasing immensely over
the past 5 years. Although the availability of substances has increased, current rehabilitation
centres are trying to expand their reach however stability and the lack of psychological healing
is evident in these facilities and as a result the socio-economic inequalities that are filled in
cities, users do not have access to rehabilitation facilities. In conjunction substance use and
relapsing is a growing challenge in the city, fuelled by the impact of no education, lack of skills,
psychological imbalances and specifically the rehabilitation facilities in the city of Durban do
not focus on post drug addicted users and the reintegration of them into communities.
Therapeutic communities are one of the most important approaches developed by the world
health organization that has a successful rate over the past two decades of the improvement
of individuals through healing architecture. With regards to that the aim of this dissertation
is to explore how post drug addicted healing and reintegration can inform the architectural
design. This research uses the theories and concepts of healing, empowerment and
community reinforcement as a primary base to contribute to the concept of social
reintegration. There is currently no documentation on post rehabilitation centres and the
current rehabilitation systems are not enough for these individuals to be healed
psychologically. The study is based on the research that the current rehabilitation systems
and facilities do not focus on socially reintegration post substance users into society. The
research for this study follows a qualitative approach. Relevant literature and a few precedent
studies of rehabilitation centres, Groot Klimmendaal rehabilitation centre and Sister Margaret
Smith Addiction Treatment Centre is investigated to determine functions and strategies for
healing and reintegration however the quality of architecture of these facilities can improve
and is not convincing in terms of the principals it should offer. Local studies of rehabilitation
centres , Careline Crisis and Trauma Centre and Rauf Rehabilitation Centre is explored,
through personally conducted interviews with directors of the centres and community
leaders involved in the rehabilitation process as a means of understanding the issues and
ways to improve the system in Durban.
The research shows that a contemporary rehabilitation centre can improve the users lives by
using principals of healing and providing these individuals with educational skills and
behavioural skills that will help them cope, feel a sense of belonging, empower them and
prevent the possibility of relapsing in the recovery process. In addition, this will improve the
current rehabilitation system and reduce the amount of substance users in Durban by
removing factors that cause it. It will allow community reinforcement and social rehabilitation
to happen between the public and the users aiding them in the process of reintegration into
society and empowering them to achieve a better life.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.