Architecture and Societal Problems: Development of Rehab Facility for Drug Addicts Reintegration

Abstract

Drug abuse problems in recent times have become an issue of grave concern and worrisome globally, with similar consequences for society. The paper emphasized the role of architecture in facilitating a therapeutic process for drug addicts in rehabilitation centre design as one of the solutions to this problem. Architectural spaces undoubtedly affect and influence the actions and attitudes of users. The study aims to integrate therapeutic techniques in rehabilitation centre design with enhanced spatial efficiency for holistic patient treatment to integrate them back into society. The methodology of the study is both theoretical and practical, involving a literature review, appraisal of case studies; observations, use of interviews and architectural design principles to formulate and produce a design model for a rehab centre in Calabar, Nigeria. Findings revealed that there are no known well-designed centres to rehabilitate victims of drug addiction in Calabar, Nigeria. The few centres available function as detention and discriminating spaces. The study concludes that rehab centres that focus on the therapeutic healing principles approach, which deals with patients’ mental, psychological, social and spiritual needs, should be developed in Calabar and other cities in Nigeria for swift rehabilitation of addicts.