Mehnaz Jamil

This study applies Islamic architectural design principles to reimagine healing environments in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It responds to the limited accessibility and low awareness of basic mental healthcare in KwaZulu-Natal, arguing for the transformation of conventional office-style therapeutic spaces into environments that actively support healing. The research examines how elements such as courtyards, arches, and the use of natural light can be adapted from Islamic architecture to create therapeutic spaces that are rooted in the local context. It also examines the cultural and architectural identity of South African Indians, shaped by histories of diaspora, colonisation, and apartheid. It considers how critical regionalism can inform healing spaces with a strong sense of place. In addition, the study examines how combining food and fitness makes mental healthcare more accessible and the space more welcoming, thereby reducing the stigma associated with mental health. By integrating these themes, the study aims to develop a new architectural framework that places architecture as an active part of the healing process.