The fluidity of the in-between: a water only fasting center

Abstract

This design dissertation investigates the proposal of a Water Only Fasting Centre, 7 Dams, Bloemfontein. The project aims to become the third fasting center in South Africa, and the second owned by Dr Karalis. My interest in water only fasting stems from an interest in natural remedies and homoeopathy. A string of poor health lead to the discovery of the wonders of nature and its ability to heal, without nasty side effects. This being said, western medicine is imperative, and the gap between the two medical fields became apparent. The study thus aims to use the in-between, the gap, or the liminal, as an architectural space of healing and knowledge. The paper is divided into 6 main parts. The fist situates the project and its rationale, using a explorative touchstone as a tool in which a lens can be produced to focus the investigation. Part two highlights challenges and aims of the dissertation and the third explores and grounds the proposal through research and investigations into the typology, topology and morphology. The next section involves a technical report in which the design is quantified, in terms of type, form and site. The fifth synthesises the findings throughout the paper into a design and technical solution. The final part is a reflection of the successes and shortcomings of the project.