Rakhi Gopal

South Africa has significantly high rates of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and femicide. While shelters exist, they don’t prioritise long-term healing and are generally repurposed homes that simply provide a roof over women’s heads. Women who manage to escape abusive environments carry deep emotional, physical and psychological trauma, and current shelters aren’t enough for the growing numbers of women who need help. 

This research explores how architecture can do more than providing emergency shelter – it can support trauma recovery and long-term healing. By integrating Trauma-Informed Spatial Strategies, Biophilic Design and Ayurvedic Architectural principles with a focus on Vastu Shastra, this project aims to create a women’s shelter that promotes emotional, psychological and physical healing. 

Situated along the coast of Kwazulu-Natal, the women’s shelter will harness nature’s therapeutic qualities to support recovery, restore a sense of peace, and create an environment that encourages holistic healing.