Beneath the Surface
Christiaan Mouton
Christiaan Mouton
Supervisor: Dr Jan Hugo
Location: Diepsloot South Africa
Programme: Rehabilitation and Primary Healthcare Facility
Key Words: Urban Layer, Skin to Space, Rehabilitation
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Abstract
This project constitutes an architectural investigation into how spatial design can respond to the complex physical, sensory, and psychological dimensions of burn trauma. It reimagines the healing journey through the metaphor of skin, with the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis serving as spatial layers that correspond to various stages of recovery, from the moment of injury to reintegration into society.
Positioned at critical urban nodes, this building operates within a trauma network, strategically linking hospitals, incident zones, and transportation arteries to optimise emergency access during the “golden hour.” Additionally, it addresses the often-overlooked timelines associated with prolonged care. Here, architecture is conceptualised as an urban prosthetic, extending beyond its physical boundaries to integrate infrastructure, communities, and pathways for survival. The spatial organisation mirrors the human body: the epidermal threshold accommodates reception, orientation, and waiting areas; the dermal zone embeds treatment, therapy, and psychological care; and the hypodermic layer facilitates long-term rehabilitation through gardens and communal spaces. Movement through the facility is designed to follow a therapeutic narrative, comprising arrival, reflection, treatment, recovery, and reintegration, each differentiated by distinct materials, sensory experiences, and spatial transitions.
Sensory restoration is a central focus of this design. Textured and temperature-responsive surfaces enhance tactile engagement, while acoustic modulation fosters auditory tranquillity. Filtered daylight and tactile wayfinding elements support individuals with visual impairments. The integration of nature serves as a biophilic framework, promoting resilience and psychological healing. The choice of materials reinforces the narrative of regeneration: timber symbolises survival, while concrete and steel represent resilience, and glass combined with filtered light conveys the healing translucency of skin. The architectural design itself is characterised by layers that peel back, guiding users through thresholds of trauma, care, and renewal.
Ultimately, this thesis redefines the role of architecture in trauma care and primary healthcare. It asserts that architecture functions not only as a site of treatment but also as an active agent in reweaving the social and urban fabric. This positioning allows the city to serve as both a witness and a healer, mapping burn recovery as a journey from isolation to connection, dignity, and hope.
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