Healing and empowerment through architecture: towards an empowerment centre for abused women in Durban.

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to understand and recognize the conditions and criteria that would inform a socially responsive architecture, towards the healing and empowerment of domestically abused women in South Africa. The research draws from a theoretical framework, theories of environmental psychology, culture, social learning and feminism. The built environment is explored as an expression of culture. Relevant literature explores the socio-spatial challenges of domestically abused women, towards developing a set of design criteria for an environment that will facilitate the healing and empowerment of domestically abused women. Focusing on the design drivers identified through the theoretical framework and literature, the precedent, case studies and primary data is critically analysed. Three precedent studies were strategically selected, based on the identified impacts of domestic violence against women. Two women's facilities located within Durban were identified as case studies, in order to understand the needs of domestically abused women within the local context. Each geographical location bears its peculiar region-specific needs and challenges. Current socio spatial challenges faced within current restorative environments is explored through interviews and observation. Both precedent and case studies are critically analysed through the lens of the identified design drivers, to assess how these design drivers have been adequately implemented. Violence against women is a global challenge. South Africa, a country which was built on social systems of inequality, where women were alienated and marginalised, reports the highest statistics for violence against women in the world. The correlation is very apparent. Studies have been undertaken to highlight the various socio-spatial and cultural constraints within specific geographical locations. These are the contributing factors to this global and national phenomenon, and has led to stimulating violence against women and producing a culture of violence. This dissertation focuses on the design drivers as a toolkit to support the design of a responsive architecture that facilitates the healing and empowerment of domestically abused women in South Africa.