Integrating nguni spiritual healing and biomedical practices in post-COVID-19 architecture: Towards a holistic healthcare centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, architecture holds the potential to respond by integrating Nguni spiritual healing and Biomedical practices, offering a holistic approach to health and wellness. This research investigates how architecture can bridge the gap between these two healing modalities, fostering collaboration and innovation in healthcare design within the African context, particularly in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Inspired by South Africa's journey as a rainbow nation, the study advocates for the co- existence of Nguni spiritual healing and Biomedical practices, envisioning spaces that harmonize cultural identity, spiritual well-being, and modern healthcare needs. During apartheid, traditional healing practices were marginalized, forcing communities to preserve them through African congregation churches such as the Zion and Nazareth Baptist Churches. Today, as Africa grapples with the long-term effects of COVID-19, the recovery presents an opportunity to embrace cultural diversity and decolonize health crisis responses by integrating indigenous knowledge systems with biomedicine. This research explores how architectural design can support both Nguni spiritual healing and Biomedical practices, fostering spaces that reflect local identities and respect natural environments. Employing qualitative research methods, it delves into Nguni cosmology, cultural identities, and Indigenous legal frameworks to inform architectural narratives rooted in pre-colonial forms. The design approach is shaped by concepts of decoloniality, critical regionalism, and social integration, with a particular focus on the sustainability and well-being of users. Through a critical analysis of case studies like the Herb Market and Umkhumbane Community Health Centre, the research identifies shared principles between Nguni healing and Biomedical practices that can be integrated into civic spaces. This cross-disciplinary approach highlights the potential for innovation and creativity in healthcare design, addressing both spiritual and physical health needs while preserving cultural identities. Symbolic interactionism informs the proposed architectural design, reflecting African worldviews of circularity and cosmological movement. By embracing decoloniality and the intersection of traditional and biomedical healing, this model envisions transformative spaces that not only educate the public on indigenous practices but also ensure patient safety and holistic healing. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, such architectural responses could contribute to Africa's recovery by promoting gender equality in healthcare access and creating resilient, culturally inclusive healing environments.