Space, tradition and comprehensive health care:
Date
1997
Authors
Chabikuli, Eugene N
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Abstract
The theoretical case that architecture should he functionally responsive to user needs is
examined with particular reference to tne design of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in
rural South Africa, In particular, the study investigates the effectiveness of architectural
practice in meeting the spatial demands of health care facilities in a changing social and
cultural environment.
The functlonal requirernents of modern and traditional health care facilities are examined, the
aim being to examine to what extent important traditlonal requirements are taken into
account in the modern sector.
The research relies on:
1. A comparative literature review on the interaction between the social requirements,
architectural practices, traditional and modern healing systems.
2. Data collection on the study case (Mhala).
3. In-depth interview with 'users' (patients, relatives and health professionals) from
both formal and informal health sectors.
4. A physical survey of traditional healers stations and Primary Health Care (PHC)facilities.
5. Analysis.
6. Conclusions and recommendations
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Architecture, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Architecture.
Keywords
Architecture, Primary health care, Traditional and modern healing systems