Learning about the Architecture of AIDS

Today was such a long day. Started with a long frustrating drive with a Taxi driver who did not know where he was going. Or maybe he did know where he was going but conveniently forgot as the meter was running.....but anywho....it is to be expected...cest la vie

Very fruitful morning at A3 Architects. I had a long conversation with a Project Manager(Alfonso) who is working on the redesign of a community clinic outside of Joburg. He seemed to be SO knowledgeable about the AIDS epidemic and how it relates to the development of community clinics. We had an interesting conversation about Western vs African health patterns and how it relates to primary medicine and the designing of a community clinic. Apparently clinics are programmed for health services that are related to western health problems and not the immediate needs of the community being served......deeep......overwhelmed with the knowledge I have gained so far.........

They were so helpful and eager to provide me with whatever information that I needed. I left with two building case studies that will be very helpful to my research. We also had some interesting conversations on urban design and how the design/development of Joburg was used to divide white/wealthy areas from black/poor areas through land use and infrastructure........

tomorrow...back to soweto