Healing spaces in the built environment: A case of

rehab centre
Sahil Chhayani
15BAR06

Guide:

Prof. Ankit Kumar

Abstract

This research paper contains how architecture can inform healing or provide
spaces and events where healing can take place. This research commences with
defining, what does healing means? and framing out significant parameters and
elements that guide the design of healing spaces. The paper starts with
determining aim and objectives. Second chapter of the paper focuses on literature
reviews and find out the factors that promotes the healing. The paper then goes on
to methodologies supported by case studies. This study includes the innovative
solution for healing environment inside and outside the building through site
planning, building planning, interior of the room, views, social spaces such as
waiting areas, atrium, corridors, food court, healing gardens etc. the inferences and
conclusions are addressed depending on results and analysis of case studies done.
Aim & objectives
Aim:
The overall aim of this research is to study the healing spaces of the built
environment in rehab centre for the well-being of patients who are suffering the
disease of addiction and establish an approach that may go toward a more effective
design of rehabilitative spaces.

Objectives:
• To study & analyse various physical parameters of built environment in rehab
centre that helps in the healing process of addicted person.
• To describe the nature of addiction and establish how the built environment
affects the perception of an addicted person
• To formulate an approach to the built environment that goes to treating the
disease of addiction
Scope and Limitations
The scope and the intention behind the concept healing architecture is, not a new
way of thinking, but is rather a continuation of earlier assumptions that the
surrounding environment, daylight, nature views and access, etc., had a healing
effect on patients. This research focus on recovery of the patient which reduces the
rehabilitation time which in turn reduces the stay time in rehab centre. The
research intends to change the mind of the designer and improve the designing
techniques used by the architect in designing a rehab centre.

It is recognised that addiction includes both substance abuse and behavioural

addiction, the subjects of this research are limited to substance abusers from AA
(alcoholic anonymous) and NA (narcotics anonymous) only and specifically those
who have been in recovery in rehab centre. Gamblers and over-eaters will not be
approached. for the purposes of this study, the psychological impact of the built
environment will be measured within the context of a rehabilitation centre.
Methodology
• The research will conduct in two parts.
1.Literature review
2.Case studies

• With the help of literature study Identifying the healing PARAMETERS which will
help to understand the healing environment and Analyze those parameters in the
case study.
• The studies will be conducted including local and international examples of
the built environment within different physical contexts in order to gain a
broader understanding of its implication in various contexts and the impact
of the built environment on one's health and well-being.

• Concluding inferences after analyzing healing spaces of the case studies.

Literature review

1. Drug Addiction 2. Healing Theory 3. Healing Parameters

I. Nature of addiction • OHE (optimal healing environment) I. Natural light
I. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
II. cured or prevented II. Colour
II. INTERPERSONAL ENVIRONMENT
III. Treatments III. Nature
III. BEHAVIORAL ENVIRONMENT
IV. Symptoms IV. Material
IV. EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
V. Sound
OHE (optimal healing environment)
 Case study

Muktangan rehabilitation centre,pune Groot Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Centre, Alpha healing centre, Vadodara
(Ar. Shirish beri) Netherlands (Ar.Koen van Velsen) (Ar.Dharam patel)
Muktangan rehabilitation centre,pune

Architect : shirish beri

Location : pune
Year : 2000
Area : 3700 sq.mt.
Activity : Drug de addiction Centre
 Location plan

Source: shirish beri & associates

Site plan
 Area-activity analysis

GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN

Area percentage

20%

15%
55%

10%
Spatial organization
• The building has an introvert concept with all
rooms opening to the central court.
• provides a central interaction space for the
patients at all times making the place look
lively.
• Admin area and counselling departments are
closer to the entrance so out patients can
easily access the facilities.
• General ward and dining area gets privacy by
steps.
• Service functions are at the backside of the
building.
• Central Amphitheatre works as
multifunctional space.
• Almost every spaces gets outer side view.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Level difference by steps
FIRST FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN

• The private spaces are on the 1st and

2nd floor.
• Balcony provides on the first floor
which is looking into an Amphitheatre.
• Way finding approach due to less
amount of circulation.

Natural light through cut out

Feeling of openness and transparency

• The entrance gate of the building. • The waiting area of the O.P.D • The transparency is maintained by
The vision of the observer is not department flaws into the connecting outer scene of the
obstructed & open space is focused Amphitheatre which continues the building to the interiors.
from this point openness of building,
Lighting and ventilation
With the help of cut out
and big Amphitheatre
courtyard whole
building get sufficient
ventilation and create a
visual interaction
among the patients.
Wind pattern
The opening in the
waiting lobby continues
till the terrace & pours
sufficient light light into
interiors.
Sky light
The balcony of general
wards open up into
Amphitheatre. This
provides relief from the
built up space.
Human activity
 largely landscaped with
long creepers and pavers
intercepted with grass. On
the façade for
ornamentation as well as
climatologically creepers
landscaping have been provided.

Raised planters and the

spread of flowers at the
window sill are used to
cheer the patient as soon
as he enters the room that
he can feel free & interact
well with the counselor.
The main feature of this
unit is the clearstory Good light and ventilation
windows provided which through large windows.
creates the apt mood for
meditation by pouring light
into the interiors from the
top.
Ceiling dark color sand
faced plaster
Inferences
• The building is planned as an inward looking structure applying the concept of drug rehabilitation therapy
itself.
• The design unifying transparency becomes expressive of this freedom and increases the physical and visual
interaction, thereby reducing the isolated alienated feeling.
• The transparency, the cut-out, the terraced balconies and the seating, encourage the patients to open up.
• The small enclosed landscaped amphitheatre breathes light and joy in the building.it binds the various
functions together, creating a much-needed ‘sense of belonging’.
• Ample natural lighting is provided throughout the building due to large window openings and through the
open courtyards and the amphitheatre.
• Space has been specially created just outside the windows, having lush green planters to provide patients
with pleasant view outside.
• The continuous rock façade all around the building gives it a fortress like connotation, which in turn speaks
of not only a highly secure zone but also a very isolated environment.
Groot Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Revalidation Centre-
Arnhem Netherlands
Architect : Koen van Velsen BV
Location : Arnhem netherlands
Year : 2011
Area : 14000 sq.mt.
Activity : Drug de addiction Centre
• This is the magnificence of ‘therapeutic’ glass
where the sunlight is ever-present, bringing
residents as close to nature as they might ever
hope to be. The overarching characteristic of this
two-storey glass rehabilitation centre is direct
contact with nature, a landscaping decision that
places this building in an idyllic forest environment, Connection between the interior and
exterior
but not at a great distance from the city of Arnhem,
The exterior facade of the building
as the sports facilities of the centre are also used by
the community, as a means of encouraging addicts
to feel a sense of belonging.
• All recreation, fitness and other common use
spaces such as the gym, swimming pool, restaurant
and theatre are located in close proximity at
entrance level. The facilities are also used by View of the interiors

residents’ families’ as well as members of the local

community. The philosophy behind facilities being
used by locals is that the patient, who is placed at
the centre of the community gradually, begins to
feel re-integrated.

Visual connection
Restaurant inside the centre
Alpha healing centre, Vadodara

Architect : Dharam patel

Location : vadodara
Year :
Area : 39000 sq.mt.
Activity : Drug de addiction Centre
References
• Samantha, R.(2014). Perception of built environment and its impact on the process of
rehabilitation from addiction. Durban: The School of the Built Environment and
Development Studies University of KwaZulu-Natal
• B. M. Tripathi.(2009). Minimum standards of care for the government de-addiction
centres ( national drug dependence treatment centre, new Delhi): AIIMS,delhi
• Srazali, A.(-). Healing architecture: a study on the physical aspects of healing environment
in hospital design. Brisbane: Department of Architecture, School of Geography, Planning
and Architecture, The University of Queensland
• Dipesh A.(2016). Healing architecture in hospital design. Delhi: school of architecture
Delhi technical campus, greater Noida
• Cayser Hussain H.(2015). Healing spaces in architecture – a study the explore the ability of
space to enhance healing. SWARNABHOOMI: marg institute of design and architecture
• Mona A.(-). Effect of applying therapeutic architecture on the healing of drug addicts
(https://www.academia.edu/34137587/Effect_of_Applying_Therapeutic_Architec
ture_on_the_healing_of_drug_addicts)
• (national institute on drug abuse)
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-
addiction