Integrating Nature and Healing Landscapes in an NDLEA Rehabilitation Center, Port Harcourt

Abstract

Substance abuse was identified as a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with increasing drug use creating a greater demand for rehabilitation facilities that support both treatment and long-term recovery. Although existing rehabilitation centres primarily emphasized security and supervision, evidence from healthcare architecture indicated that the physical environment could significantly influence patients' psychological well-being and recovery outcomes. This study therefore explored the integration of nature and healing landscapes into the design of a Rehabilitation Centre in Port Harcourt. The study aimed to examine the role of nature in supporting rehabilitation and to identify architectural strategies that promote healing and psychological well-being. A multiple case study approach was adopted, involving a comparative analysis of three international rehabilitation and psychiatric facilities: Rehabilitation Centre Groot Klimmendaal, Vejle Psychiatric Hospital, and the Sister Margaret Smith Addictions Treatment Centre. The facilities were evaluated using four design metrics, namely nature integration, natural lighting and ventilation, therapeutic design quality, and institutional appearance. The findings showed that integrating courtyards, landscaping, extensive glazing, natural daylight, therapeutic interior elements, and community-oriented spaces contributed to more supportive healing environments while reducing the institutional character commonly associated with rehabilitation facilities. The study further found that therapeutic design strategies enhanced patient comfort, encouraged social interaction, promoted emotional well-being, and supported successful reintegration into society. It was concluded that integrating nature and healing landscapes into rehabilitation facilities could improve the quality of recovery environments by creating secure, restorative, and patient-centered spaces. The study therefore recommended the adoption of biophilic design principles, therapeutic interiors, natural daylighting, spiritual spaces, and welcoming architectural forms in the design of future rehabilitation centres.

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