Wandile Ndlovu, an Interior Design intern in the Real Estate Management Department at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), is passionate about designing spaces that support wellbeing and improve the experiences of those who use them.
She completed her Advanced Diploma in Interior Design cum laude and was honoured to present her research at the Faculty of Arts and Design Annual Research Conference last year. The opportunity marked a significant milestone in her journey as a postgraduate (honours-level) student.
Driven to be a creative, distinctive, and impactful alumna, Ndlovu drew from her personal journey of motherhood during her studies and transformed it into an academic research project. Inspired by her pregnancy experience in 2020, she focused on public maternity clinics, aiming to reimagine these spaces to better support healing, reduce stress, and enhance emotional wellbeing for both expectant mothers and clinic staff.
Ndlovu reflects on how DUT has contributed to her academic and personal growth, allowing her to explore design as a tool to improve everyday experiences.
From a young age, she had a strong artistic inclination and a love for drawing. By the time she reached matric, she developed an interest in the construction and built environment. Studying Interior Design enabled her to grow both creatively and professionally while continuing to express her artistic passion.
Her research specifically explores how interior design can improve the experiences of primipara mothers and healthcare staff in Durban’s public maternity clinics.
“The study was inspired by my personal experience of attending public clinics during my pregnancy in 2020. While these clinics are functional, many lack environments that support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of users,” she explained.
She added that the experience left her feeling emotionally drained and unsupported. “While the nurses were focused on the medical aspects of my pregnancy, there was little attention given to my overall wellbeing, even when I was distressed,” she shared.
Her research investigates how principles of healing architecture and patient-centred design can create more supportive, calming, and welcoming spaces. “The focus is on reducing stress, improving comfort, and enhancing emotional wellbeing for both patients and healthcare staff. Elements such as natural lighting, fresh air, natural materials, warm colours, privacy, and comfortable waiting areas can significantly improve the healthcare experience and contribute to a more restorative environment,” Ndlovu highlighted.
Through her research and design work, she aims to create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and supportive for the people who use them.
To read more about her project, visit: https://www.behance.net/gallery/238342985/Imbewu-Maternity-Centre
Pictured: Wandile Ndlovu
Waheeda Peters
