Spectrum, Space, and Spirit: rejuvenating the body, mind and soul of the youth through empowerment and expression in Auckland Park

Abstract

With a global population on the rise each year, South Africa specifically sees an increase in its numbers by 15,8% in the last decade alone. Thus, the country achieves a population of over 59 million people, with 34,7% of that being the youth. (South Africa Population (2021) - Worldometer, 2021). The future, as always, rests in the hands of the youth, not only of the nation but of the world too. It is an optimistic view considering all the technological advancements at their disposal coupled with their untapped potential. The youth demographic of who I speak of is considered much more educated and diverse than that of the previous generations and is referred to as what we now know as “Generation Z” (1995- 2012). However, they are depicted as restless freelancers who have an aversion to authority and distance themselves from the norm of bureaucratic processes. Due to various conditions and circumstances, they experience differing upbringings that may alter their priorities and perspectives. Taking this into consideration, one can determine the numerous challenges the youth face, specifically the detriment to their mental health brought about by the pressures of society. With social media and the ever-present busyness of student life, it is becoming easier for younger people to become overwhelmed by these factors. In turn, they lose focus and hold of their mental stability, overall health, and perception of themselves. This multitude of stressors is much more prevalent than ever before, which results in the youth developing unhealthy and flawed coping mechanisms.

Observations made in conjunction with that of the City of Johannesburg concluded that Auckland Park is one of the most ethnically diverse, youth-driven, and socially challenged areas. Described as the “Student Suburb” with the number of youths who flock from all over the country to occupy the area in search of education, residency, and opportunity. Some of them get burnt out sooner than expected and depart to try and reinvent themselves. The question becomes how architecture aimed at the youth can aid in refocusing them and relieving stress to better tackle life with mental and spiritual fortitude. Modern healthcare architecture has been identified as a model of healing that is characterized by its monolithic nature and depressive character. Its physical manifestation is its adherence to the orthodox model of healing, but its experiential character is contested.

The healing facility Spectrum, Space, and Spirit seeks to deconstruct this model of healthcare by challenging and transcending its pathogenic nature, which is detached from the human experience. The concept of an alternative healing facility is to restore and heal the individual by promoting a much more holistic healing approach. In addition to healing the human, the architecture should also extend this practice to its environment, calling for a deeper connection with nature.

The design aims to permit its user to experience a new “sense of place” which not only stimulates creativity, curiosity, spirituality, and comfort but dives deeper into architectural methodologies to create a balance between architecture and the human body. With these factors working in tandem, a narrative can be created which serves as a form of escapism for the troubled youth, a place to reconnect and reclaim oneself. The concept of this facility’s contextual positioning aims to address the concerns of both the individual and the society at large, by exploring the possibilities of a restructured typology and its effects in the social sphere.