22/12/2024
Masters Project Feature 🎓
recently presented her master's project in architecture.
The project titled the "Katleho Healing Centre" is an architectural strategy for the design integration of Traditional and Modern Healing
for GBV survivors through food production in the city of Pretoria, South Africa.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant and systemic issue in South Africa, deeply rooted in its institutions, cultures, and traditions. Historically, women’s societal roles have shifted from complementary to patriarchal, particularly in disadvantaged areas, fostering unsafe and inequitable environments. This project focuses on rehabilitating GBV survivors.
Western trauma-healing methods often prioritise individual mental health through scientific approaches, overlooking indigenous knowledge and cultural contexts. In contrast, traditional African perspectives emphasise community support, viewing personal trauma as a shared responsibility. These socio-centric methods build networks that enhance self-worth, belonging, and security.
Research on South African shelters reveals a heavy reliance on Western approaches, neglecting cultural and communal aspects. This project addresses this gap by proposing a facility in central Pretoria for medium- to long-term healing. It integrates urban systems and uses the food production process as a metaphor for healing—aligning personal recovery stages with production, post-production, and consumption.
The project also tackles urban challenges in Pretoria CBD, such as oversized blocks and car dominance, by promoting pedestrianisation, green spaces, and educational hubs. This dual approach seeks to heal both the city and its users, offering survivors a path to reintegration and independence
