PARADIGM SHIFT IN DRC HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE
DRC, or Democratic Republic of Congo, is the second largest country in the African continent. Congo is also known for its rich soil, which includes copper, gold, Diamant, cobalt, uranium, etc. Though its resources are so significant, the average life expectancy in Congo is 48 years old, while in the United Kingdom, it is about 80 years old, and in the world, it is about 70 years old. The primary factor behind such low life expectancy is the condition of life in DRC, supported by the current design approach to healthcare facilities, and more specifically, Hospitals. Hospital Designs in the Congo are currently influenced by one, the design ideas that colonizers left in the country, and two, building modernization that does not take into consideration the cultural and climatical condition of the country itself. Several “architects” and designers have attempted to find a solution to sanitary and cultural issues raised by the community (patient and medical staff). Though these attempts have provided a basis for this thesis, they have yet to find an ultimate solution. This is where “Paradigm Shift in DRC Healthcare Architecture” comes in. This study aims to generate evidence-based, appropriate, and affordable sustainability design strategies in order to understand how architects may adapt new trends in environmental technology for tropical climates whose nation urgently needs access to medical care as a beacon for the Great Lakes region of central and eastern Africa. This thesis also provides an introduction to how culture might influence hospital design in the Democratic Republic of Congo and thus directly respond to the needs of its people.
Thesis project:
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
PARTI
Through the research conducted, The Congo is considered to own a variety of minerals that make up most of the country’s wealth. Minerals in the DR Congo have launched the acknowledgment of the country worldwide. One good example is Apple which uses Coltan from the Congo to make iPhones. Though the Congo does not process refineries for its resources, Mineral companies in the DRC provide the largest job opportunities for the people, thus tremendously impacting the Congolese lifestyle. Therefore, the concept of a stone portrays the DRC, on multiple levels: culturally, Economically, and environmentally. In the city of Lubumbashi, one stone prevails in particular: Malachite. Malachite is embedded into the City of Lubumbashi as one of the most harvested. Therefore, Stone explores Malachite and how it could shape a Congolese Hospital.
FULL THESIS BOOK LINK
