Effect of Applying Therapeutic Architecture on the
healing of drug addicts
[Mona AbdelHay1 and Khaled Dewidar2]
Abstract- There is a problem present recently that importance
is no longer given to the therapeutic architecture standards
when coming to applying a project in the health care industry,
despite of the evidences and researches present that imply that
the atmosphere and design of a place can affect the psychology
and the mood of humans, psychiatric clinics and rehab centers
in Egypt are seeing this as incremental. After introducing the
topic and having a brief about it, this research is aiming to test
the relation between the two variables; therapeutic
architecture and the healing of psychiatric patients (addicts) to
know whether the relation between the application of
therapeutic architecture and the healing of psychiatric patients
is positive, negative, or irrelevant.
Keywords — Therapeutic Architecture, Drug Addicts,
Rehabilitation center.
I. Introduction
In the recent years despite of the evidences and
researches present that imply that the atmosphere and
design of a place can affect the psychology and the mood
of humans, psychiatric centers and clinics in Egypt has
disregarded or did not give a value for the design and the
spaces of the place; seeing it as an incremental condition.
Mainly this condition, that the design is not important is
present in the public centers, for instance Abbasiya
Center which is a famous center in Egypt had suffered
merely from the wrecked walls and the weak structure,
even the design that used to be one of the greatest in the
world had diminished due to the negligence. Also some
private centers that are newly established thought the
design and spaces and incremental and focusing mainly
on the capacity that the center can bear. (Fathi, 2012)
And as this research is considered mainly with the
addicts (as a type of psychiatric patients) it is important
to note that in the recent years addiction has been one of
the rising problems in Egypt. According to (Abdoh,
2015) stated "Major Gen Ahmad Al-Khuli, head of the
general administration for fighting drugs, said the
number of Hashish and Tramadol abusers in Egypt is
extremely big while number of addicts reached 1
million". Thus it is seen nowadays that there are many
initiatives that were taken in order to help eliminate this
phenomenon. And there are many ways of treatments
that has evolved recently to help on the enhancement and
development of the curing process. For instance, the
current moves have focused on some treatments that
gives the behavior and attitude of the patient the same
importance and care that are given to the body itself,
shortly the focus now is on the psychology not only the
biology.
MonaAbdelHay
Architecture Engineering /British University in Egypt
Egypt
Mona.fouad93@hotmail.com
1
From these ways are the meetings and sessions that are
held to enhance the social and the communication skills
of the patient or the addict and also to reform their
behavior.
II. Research Methodology
For the purpose of answering the research questions a
comparative analysis will be done to know the effect of
the application of therapeutic architecture in psychiatric
centers and clinics on the healing of Addicts. The
psychiatric Clinics and Rehab Centers in Egypt and the
addicts specifically have been chosen as an area of
application for the sake of minimizing the population of
the study and thus the sample to ensure effective and
efficient results and finding. Also it was chosen because
psychiatric clinics and centers are present in Egypt and
thus the sample can be reached easily. To answer the
questions and reach the research objectives some data
will be collected. It will be collected through interviews
with therapists and doctors specializing in psychiatric
illness and addiction in which the questions that will be
used in the interviews will be partially dependent on
opinions of experts in their formulation to insure the
optimum result out of the interviews. Moreover, data
will be collected through previous literature from books,
academic journals, periodicals, and reports.
Consequently, qualitative data is going to be used.
Finally at the end the results that will emerge will be
analyzed through comparative analysis between local
including public and private rehab centers, and
international rehab center.
III. Drug addiction
Definition
Drug addiction is the extensive use of drugs
continuously that leads to negative social and health
consequences. People, who became drug addicts, are
described as those who are no longer controlling their
use of drugs. Drug addicts exhibit various abnormal
behaviors such as being isolated from people
surrounding them as friends and family, being crime
committers, and facing difficulties when working in their
jobs or at schools. A drug addict individual lives with the
main focus of continuing to use those drugs. (National
Institute on Drug Abuse, 2009).Drug addiction is treated
as a brain disease due to the changes in cause in the brain
of the addict individual that can last for long time or
even be permanent, which is thus associated with
harmful behaviors for the addicts; as the changes take
the form of changes in the structure of the brain and the
way it works.
Khaled Dewidar
British University in Egypt
Egypt
Khaled.dewidar@bue.edu.eg
Such as the case in any other disease such as for example
heart diseases, drug addiction damage the underlying organ
and severely affect its functioning to be unhealthy and
abnormal functioning; where the organ in case of addiction
is the brain. Also as many diseases, addiction is associated
with negative consequences, can be prevented, can be
treated, and when being untreated it can have long lasting
consequences for the rest of the addict’s life. (National
Institute on Drug Abuse, 2010).
IV. Role of Architecture in
Therapy
This section begins by determining what architecture is.
Architecture is generally regarded as the art of designing
buildings (Unwin, 2003).The field contains theoretical
frameworks that explain various concepts some of which
will discuss in this paper. Presently, the concept of modern
architecture has become prevalent. This concept is generally
viewed as a shift from conventional aesthetics, which seeks
to go beyond standard practice by focusing on location,
layout, and function.
According to Morgenthaler, the term ‘modern’ is more than
simply dissatisfaction with what has previously been the
case (Morgenthaler, 2015). This paper focuses mostly on
the function of architecture in aiding therapy for drug
addicts. The debate about this topic is whether architecture
performs any therapeutic function. This paper intends to
show that this is the case when you consider both aesthetics,
designs, color, layout and spaces (Huisman, et al. 2012).
Most studies that have been done on this debate were
conducted on patients occupying one bedroom and two
bedrooms with access to light and those without access to
light. The findings shows that structural environment can
help boost emotional wellbeing, decrease infections, and
even prevent falls, while rooms with ample light are shown
to have positive effects on patients than those without
(Huisman, et al. 2012). This study shows that it is not just a
matter of architectural design, but its functions as well. For
instance, architectural designs that incorporate natural
aspects such as in-built and exterior landscape have
significant therapeutic effects on humans.
Presently, health care facilities are compelled to meet
certain intricate combination of aesthetics, physical, social,
environmental and symbolic requirements (Morgenthaler,
2015). The issue for modern architecture is how to
maximize on these functions. For instance, before an
architect even decides how a building will look like, he or
she has to determine the intended purpose of the building
and how to maximize on its features. Performing this
function is not only a requirement in the field, but its core
essence. It indicates the most important role of the architect
in the whole building design process. On the issue of
therapeutic architecture, the term ‘therapeutic’ is linked to
psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Hospitals
that have been designed to perform therapeutic functions
contain therapeutic properties. These therapeutic properties
have influenced a new architectural approach that is
commonly known as evidence based design.
2
Hamilton and Watkins (2009) suggest that evidence based
design is the process of the accurate, astute and careful use
of present best evidence from practice and research in
making vital decisions about the design of a building. This
approach arises from the fact that the traditional
unstructured approach to creating designs is dissatisfactory
for the challenges facing architects presently. Evidence
based design have become prominent in health care design
because most hospitals aim to construct ‘healing setting’ for
their patients (Hamilton & Watkins, 2009). Consequently,
architects who adhere to evidence based design approach
when designing health care facilities utilize knowledge on
the therapeutic impact of certain physical attributes of
designed spaces on patients, practitioners and visitors as
guiding basis of their designs. (D. Kirk Hamilton, 2009).
Beside describing the role of evidence based design on
rehabilitation centres, this paper will analyse significant
aspects of therapeutic architectural properties namely
environment modification, social environment, structural
space, colour, and landscape. (D. Kirk Hamilton, 2009).
The idea about therapeutic architecture is grounded on the
conviction that the setting in which people live, especially
the design, has far-reaching effect on people’s emotional
well-being. As this is true for any patient, it is truer for drug
addicts who are experiencing mental anguish to do with
denial, deteriorating mental capacity, and withdrawal
symptoms. Studies on substance use continuously state that
this addiction is similar to chronic illnesses, and treatment
programs are beginning to use approaches that have been
used to treat chronic diseases. (Laudet, 2011). These
approaches consider the impact of the illness and services
on the drug addict’s overall health. From this viewpoint,
substance-use treatment aim for more than just monitoring
and coaching addicts to recovery, it includes ensuring
suitable facilities for rehabilitation programs. This is
especially true for inpatient rehabilitation centers that cater
to drug patients for an extensive period.
Drug addicts are going to rehabilitation centers for healing
process. The setting they are about to occupy for that period
has to be conducive. There are numerous cases of drug-
abuse patients running away from rehabilitation centers, and
this is blamed on the fact that drug patients do experience
withdrawal symptoms or sometimes it could be because
they are in denial. (Laudet, 2011). However, the question is
drug patients running from uncomely facilities? This has
everything to do with the structural design of the building,
whether it is attractive, comfortable and functional. For
instance, situations whereby, two patients are sharing the
same room may be uncomfortable for some individuals
depending on their personalities. It is also worth noting that
drug addicts are susceptible to high stress levels and low
moods. According to Sinha, stress is a common factor that
leads to substance use and addiction relapse while patients
are rehabilitating (Sinha, 2008). Seaward notes that there are
several factors that have been linked to increasing levels
stress of rehabilitating drug patients some of which include
negative emotions, people, setting, and sensing the object of
addiction. However, stress triggers are viewed as the most
common cause of relapse and the facility could be one of it.
(Seaward, 2011). Now the question concerns how to
eliminate stress triggers through architectural design;
emphasis being on stress regulation and impulse control.
(Seaward, 2011).
V. Designs Based on Evidence
According to Gupta and Kant, it was not until the start of
the twentieth century that health facility designs were partly
influenced by the ideals of enlightment age. (Jos P. van
Leeuwen, 2006) This shows that each century has been
coupled with its own distinct design and this is why we are
talking of modern architecture (Gupta & Kant, 2006). The
two scholars further add that the most important issue today
to hospitals in relation to modern architecture is having a
natural setting and good ventilation. Traditional medical
practices changed when medicine underwent technological
revolution, together with the emergence of modern style to
transform health care facilities into effective structures. It is
safe to note that until recently, the physical properties of
hospitals were normally overlooked. One of the successes of
evidence based design is that it has revived some of the lost
qualities of structure layout such as ‘nature feel’ in
hospitals. (Morgenthaler, 2015)
Hamilton and Watkins note that most tests on evidence
based designs that center on nature’s aspects are
comparative. For instance, several patients who are in
multiple bedrooms are compared to patients with the same
conditions, but who occupy single bedrooms. Also, the
outcome of rooms with a view of nature and those without
are contrasted. Studies have also been done to show the
effect of colour used on rehabilitation centre on drug
patients. According to the University of North Carolina
report on inpatient rehabilitation facilities, a carefully
selected colour scheme with ample lighting and art work
helped improve the mood of drug patients. (D. Kirk
Hamilton, 2009) Edge analysis supports this idea and she
further states that colour has been thought to influence
people’s wellbeing throughout history as observed on
Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians. For instance, in the case
of Persians, they are believed to have practiced colour
therapy based on emission of light. (Edge, 2003) Colour
brings out a positive reaction from a social and emotional
perspective, and various colours are known to have specific
emotional outcomes on individuals. Hence, the colour
aspect is considered when painting walls since it also has to
have interaction with background colour and natural light.
(Edge, 2003).
Most studies conducted on inpatient drug patients focus on
stress results for instance do certain environmental attributes
increase or reduce stress levels or do some settings cause
patients to be calm? According to Hamilton and Watkins,
when evidence based design became more acceptable to
people, all facets that could be linked to the environment
were accepted as proof. (D. Kirk Hamilton, 2009) This went
beyond patient’s emotional wellbeing, but it also included
their physical wellbeing such as living in spaces that were
less prone to causing physical injuries, fresh air, technology
3
that helped reduce medical errors, and improved acoustics
are considered as proof. (D. Kirk Hamilton, 2009).This
assumption can be used to argue that drug patients prefer a
more comfortable place to occupy than a less comfortable
one. Although evidence based research targets individual’s
reaction, it is not interested in their perspectives.
Morgenthaler notes that rather than mapping individual’s
opinions, it focuses on their innate reactions. These innate
reactions are considered objective evidence, which are not
clouted by social or cultural bias. (Morgenthaler, 2015).
The scope of therapeutic architecture assessment has been
closely linked to traditional interpretation of the idea of
health, architecture and therapeutic environment. A study
conducted by Chandra, et al. focuses on four fundamental
aspects of hospital structures that have been deemed to be
components of therapeutic environment namely natural
light, fresh air and quiet environment. (Jyotsna Chandra,
2001) Unfortunately, this study was limited to psychological
and medical effects. A study that analysed the emotional
outcomes would have been adequate to reveal the outcomes
because rising stress levels are linked to run-away drug
patients. The findings of the study provide adequate proof
that presence of natural physical properties such as trees in
or out of the facility has positive influence of an individual’s
health and wellbeing. More precisely, it has been showcased
that viewing the environment through the window or from a
screen can decrease stress levels and pain. (Jyotsna
Chandra, 2001)Also, the presence of plants inside a
rehabilitation facility can lift individuals’ mood and
decrease symptoms of physical ache. (Jyotsna Chandra,
2001).
Yet, there are less well-established evidence concerning the
health advantages of direct connection with nature for
instance a visit to the garden or a park. (Jyotsna Chandra,
2001) The findings also show strong evidence that proper
ventilation can help boost the mental state of patients.
Nontheless, the evidence for health advantages of natural
light was deemed as weak and ambitous, while the evidence
for health advantages of a quiet and serene environemnt
were deemed as indirect . (Jyotsna Chandra, 2001) Though
there is enough evidence on the negativity of noise, the
function of the physical setting in generating or reducing
health effects of noise has only been explained in a few
studies.
VI. Therapeutic Architecture
Influences Healing Process
The phrase ‘therapeutic architecture’ has developed and
been accepted as part of the solution against the austerity of
health care facilities. This idea embodies the dream and
prospect of designing superb architectural spaces that
promote healing. According to Morgenthaler, the concept of
therapeutic architecture does not suggest that the
architecture by itself has the capacity to heal patients, but
rather, architectural manipulation of structures and space
can allow for other environmental factors such as sound,
colour, views, smell and light all of which contribute to a
therapeutic environment to be prominent for healing
purpose. (Morgenthaler, 2015) For instance, drug patients
who are suffering from mental stress and fatigue can feel
better if they occupy spaces that have favourable colours,
wide windows that allow them to view outside, and spaces
that restrict noise that would be considered loud. In other
words, architectural designs that inclined towards serene
spaces would be good designs for constructing rehabilitation
centres. On the contrary, some studies confirm that the
traditional way in which some rehabilitation centres are
designed contribute to increasing stress and pose a danger to
the well-being of both patients and staff such as exceeding
noise due to high population of patients and staff, small
rooms especially for inpatient facilities, poor lighting, and
small spaces (Edge, 2003) (Unwin, 2003) (Seaward, 2011).
According to Seaward, general health care facilities that
deal with multiple patients suffering from multiple
conditions take into consideration structural designs that
promote the well-being of patients. (Seaward, 2011) This
can be argued at least since the beginning of the twenty first
century. However, this cannot be said of rehabilitation
centres meant for drug addicts. Seaward further argues that
the reason could be that most rehabilitation centres are
opened or run by communities or well-wishers compared to
hospitals run by the government or established private
entities. (Seaward, 2011). Hence, rehabilitation centres fall
short of resources when constructing their facilities.
However, drug patients would surely benefit from
therapeutic architecture. In most cases, hospitals and
rehabilitation centres that ignore the role of therapeutic
architecture especially in Egypt either have no idea about
the implications of such designs, or claim that the cost of
building such projects is high. (Seaward, 2011).
A study conducted by James Luderg as cited by (E.R.C.M.
Huisman, 2012)notes that modern hospital facilities produce
better patient results. (E.R.C.M. Huisman, 2012)While
considering drug rehabilitation facilities, the length of stay
of drug addicts was lessened by upgrading the physical
properties. Usually, high-end drug rehabilitation centres in
Egypt contain therapeutic features such as transitional living
spaces, in-door and out-door swimming pools, therapy
gyms, natural landscape, and a mobility court since the
facility’s main aim is to make the stay of the drug patient as
comfortable as possible. These facilities rely not only on the
architectural design, but other physical properties that would
make such facilities comfortable. Hence, I pose the question
how much more would buildings that consider both
architectural designs and therapeutic aspects such as the
swimming pool have on a patient’s treatment outcome? It is
at this point that I analyse the role of architecture in modern
buildings especially when it comes to modifying the
environment for the purpose of creating a comfortable and
conducive environment for treating drug patients. (E.R.C.M.
Huisman, 2012).
Therapeutic Architectural De
sign that considers Colour Scheme: Colour is a crucial part
4
of everyday life, and it has the power to influence how we
relate with our surrounding. Colour is the component
occupied by an object, which produces various effects on
the sense of sight as a result of the manner in which the
object reflects light. (Jos P. van Leeuwen, 2006). The effect
of colour scheme is not only a subject of study in
architecture, but a study in other fields such as psychology
and colour therapy. According to Leeuwen and
Timmermans, colour study in architectural designs revolves
around aesthetics on surface finishing. (Jos P. van Leeuwen,
2006) However, studies are now widening to consider
therapeutic architecture not only along colour scheme, but
also change of impression of space, interaction with sense of
sight, arousal of feelings, and the quality of colour used.
Chrysikou (Chrysikou, 2014) notes that colour therapy have
been determined as an approach capable of elevating mood
and reducing stress. This concept can be applied to
rehabilitation centres where drug patients seem to suffer
from high stress levels and mood changes. Leeuwen and
Timmermans discovered that both colour and structural
designs have the capacity visually stimulate individuals, and
this can be manipulated to promote positive or negative
mood. (Jos P. van Leeuwen, 2006). They further state that a
patient’s response to colour depends on his or her
psychological association of specific emotions to specific
colours. (Jos P. van Leeuwen, 2006). Therefore, architecture
utilizes the power of colour in therapeutic settings to
stimulate specific emotional response.
A study conducted by the Institute of Colour Research as
cited by (Ravinkanti Gopikrishna, 2015) divulges that
individuals make a subconscious decision about a place,
person or item within 90 seconds of first sight, and that
approximately 80% of that analysis in based solely on
colour. (Ravinkanti Gopikrishna, 2015). Thus, the colour
used on building designs matters especialy is the building is
a hospital facility. Ulrich conducted a study that was
reported in his book about the ole of physcal environmnt in
health care facilities where he explains that there more
hospitals prsently that associate hospital design to medical
outcome (Stephen R. Kellert, 2011). When it comes to drug
rehabilitation centers, it is obvious that colour can be
applied as a strong tool for promoting better medical
outcomes.
According to Chrysikou, the effects of colour go beyond its
aesthetic properties, and it affects people both emotionally
and psychologically because it stimulates the nervous
system (2014). In other words, colour can influence mood or
provoke a response from an individual. Consequently, the
manner in which colour is applied in a setting can make
provoke feelings of either serenity of anxiety. This translates
into a good mood, which in turn promotes healing.
Chrysikou studies on various colours divulge that bright
colours increase blood pressure, autonomic functions and
pulse rate directing outward attention. In contrast, dark and
softer colours create calm effect directing inward attention.
(Chrysikou, 2014).
In the past, many cultures used colour for its therapeutic
powers. In Egypt for instance, chambers were designed to
create a ray of prism to heal those who were sick, while in
India different colours are linked to various energy centres
in the human body. (Jos P. van Leeuwen, 2006). Hence,
what is happening in the contemporary world is a concept
that is believed to promote healing based on traditional
practices and beliefs. It is also worth noting that colour and
light are linked, but are different and when applying colour
in treatment facilities, the purpose should mostly be for
healing purpose. While architects, scientists, and physicians
concur that colour can help in the healing process, it should
not be considered as a simplistic countermeasure. (Jos P.
van Leeuwen, 2006). There several other factors that should
be considered when deciding hospital colours for instance
type of hospital whether for children or drug addicts and
perception of sight depending on age. (Jos P. van Leeuwen,
2006). Colours that would impress children are not the same
ones that would impress adults. In any case, various colours
have different accepted meanings. Also, specific colours
have specific meanings to an individual based on his or her
culture and belief.
VII. Therapeutic Architectural
Design that considers Colour
Scheme
Colour is a crucial part of everyday life, and it has
the power to influence how we relate with our surrounding.
Colour is the component occupied by an object, which
produces various effects on the sense of sight as a result of
the manner in which the object reflects light. (Jos P. van
Leeuwen, 2006). The effect of colour scheme is not only a
subject of study in architecture, but a study in other fields
such as psychology and colour therapy. According to
Leeuwen and Timmermans, colour study in architectural
designs revolves around aesthetics on surface finishing. (Jos
P. van Leeuwen, 2006) However, studies are now widening
to consider therapeutic architecture not only along colour
scheme, but also change of impression of space, interaction
with sense of sight, arousal of feelings, and the quality of
colour used. Chrysikou (Chrysikou, 2014) notes that colour
therapy have been determined as an approach capable of
elevating mood and reducing stress. This concept can be
applied to rehabilitation centres where drug patients seem to
suffer from high stress levels and mood changes. Leeuwen
and Timmermans discovered that both colour and structural
designs have the capacity visually stimulate individuals, and
this can be manipulated to promote positive or negative
mood. (Jos P. van Leeuwen, 2006). They further state that a
patient’s response to colour depends on his or her
psychological association of specific emotions to specific
colours. (Jos P. van Leeuwen, 2006). Therefore, architecture
utilizes the power of colour in therapeutic settings to
stimulate specific emotional response.
5
A study conducted by the Institute of Colour Research as
cited by (Ravinkanti Gopikrishna, 2015) divulges that
individuals make a subconscious decision about a place,
person or item within 90 seconds of first sight, and that
approximately 80% of that analysis in based solely on
colour. (Ravinkanti Gopikrishna, 2015). Thus, the colour
used on building designs matters especialy is the building is
a hospital facility. Ulrich conducted a study that was
reported in his book about the ole of physcal environmnt in
health care facilities where he explains that there more
hospitals prsently that associate hospital design to medical
outcome (Stephen R. Kellert, 2011).
When it comes to drug rehabilitation centers, it is obvious
that colour can be applied as a strong tool for promoting
better medical outcomes. According to Chrysikou, the
effects of colour go beyond its aesthetic properties, and it
affects people both emotionally and psychologically
because it stimulates the nervous system (2014). In other
words, colour can influence mood or provoke a response
from an individual. Consequently, the manner in which
colour is applied in a setting can make provoke feelings of
either serenity or anxiety. This translates into a good mood,
which in turn promotes healing. Chrysikou studies on
various colours divulge that bright colours increase blood
pressure, autonomic functions and pulse rate directing
outward attention. In contrast, dark and softer colours create
calm effect directing inward attention. (Chrysikou, 2014)
Figure 1, 2, and 3: Rehabilitation Centre Groot
Klimmendaal interior bright colours. (ArchDaily, 2011)
VIII.CaseStudies
Rehabilitation Centre Groot Klimmendaal
-Project’sAbstract:
Architect: KoenvanVelsen
Location: TheNetherlands
Area: 14000.0sqm
ProjectYear: 2011
The self-control and self-confidence is radiated by the
revalidation center “ Groot Klimmendaal” There are
several opportunities available for several activities a due to
the pleasant, welcoming and open environment that offers a
natural habitat as well. As a result of a serious collaboration
among Koen van Velsen and the users of the building, the
building was formed. For example, for the new integral way
of working a shallow timber staircase runs the full internal
height of the building. A direct route is facilitated among the
different floors levels and a variety of substituting routes is
available in the building in order to form a place that invites
the residents to undertake their physical exercises. The
"therapeutic" glass is great as it allows the sunlight to be
present and thereby the resident will be exposed and closes
to the nature as they hope to be attached to the nature of the
sun. One of the major characteristics of this two-storey glass
rehabilitation is the straightforward attachment and contact
to the nature and real life. This building is placed in an
idyllic forest environment due to the decision of
landscaping, but the distance between this building and the
city of Arnhem is not long, for addicts to be encouraged and
motivated the sports facilities are used by the community.
(Rehabilitation Centre Groot Klimmendaal / Koen van
Velsen, 2011)
Figure 4: Rehabilitation Centre Groot Klimmendaal.
(ArchDaily, 2011)
-Concept
It guides the continuity between the interior and exterior is
through the improvement of positive kinesthesis. The subtle
and the practical design ensures that the residents of the
building are not feeling enclosed. Warm emotions during
the day meals are applied with the hall window that touches
virtually the surrounding forest in a pleasant environment
and this is done through the brightly lit facade of the
restaurant. When addressing the issue practically, it’s found
that the installations' design whether mechanical or
electrical are considered to be energy saving mainly through
the thermal storage. It is designed specifically to be
maintained easily this rehab center "forms a sustainable
multiuse, closely knit building exuding stimulating
therapeutic components" (Stephanidou, 2011). The building
arrangement is not only for the sake of to be used by
residents but also to provide the feeling of social belonging.
6
It is quite complicated in the connections of its floors,
spaces and rooms; however it is also simple when it comes
to the desire for unity and the encouragement that is
supplied to the residents to use the whole area and thus
making it practical. There is a continuity and variety of use,
in which atmosphere, nature, colors, light and kinesthetic
are utilized. It is also important to mention that it won the
architecture festival (health field) in 2011. At the entrance
level the common use places that include the swimming
pool, restaurant, gym and the theatre are placed. Members
from the local community and the families of the residents
are allowed to use the facilities. In order for the resident to
feel re-integrated the locals are allowed to use the facilities
which are placed at the center of the community. The design
is done for the residents with a prime and first concept
which is to care about the residents and to avoid them from
being isolated or not involved with the community,
accordingly the building and the spaces included in the
building is a part of the community surroundings. The main
goals behind the design of the center are to make the
residents more responsible in solving their problems and to
have a degree of self-awareness about their problems which
is done through personal involvement and direct interaction
with the group. The self-confidence and awareness are
promoted by the open environment of the interior design
that places more importance on the activities of recreation
and the therapy that is done through arts expression. By
creating a direct and straight route between the different
floors and alternative routes to reach various areas the
architect Koen van Vaelsen made sure that no part of the
building is isolated. Community spirit and a positive sense
of physical movement are achieved through this.
Figure 5 and 6: Rehabilitation Centre Groot
Klimmendaal shows the connection between interior and
exterior. (ArchDaily, 2011)
Figures and Tables
Figure 1 (ArchDaily, 2011) 5
Figure 2 (ArchDaily, 2011) 5
Figure 3 (ArchDaily, 2011) 5
Figure 4 (ArchDaily, 2011) 6
Figure 5 (ArchDaily, 2011) 6
Figure 6 (ArchDaily, 2011) 6
 [20] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2010, August). The Science
of Addiction. Retrieved from
References https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/sciofaddiction.pdf
[1] (n.d.). Retrieved from Narconon Egypt:
[21] Ravinkanti Gopikrishna, M. K. (2015). A CONCEPTUAL
http://www.narcononegypt.org/
STUDY ON PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOUR IN MARKETING
AND BRANDING. International Journal of Engineering
[2] (2011, April 8). Retrieved from ArchDaily: Research, 501-505.
http://www.archdaily.com/126290/rehabilitation-centre-groot-
klimmendaal-koen-van-velsen
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About Author (s):
[Mona Abdelhay Ahmed Fouad Mohamed:
born in sep. 1993, applied for the British university
in Egypt in 2011 for architectural engineering
studies, interested in mathematics, technology,
physics and design.
"You must never be fearful about what you are
doing when it is right”

[17] Morgenthaler, H. R. (2015). The Meaning of Modern [Dr. Dewidar:

Architecture: Its Inner Necessity and an Empathetic Reading. Professor of Theory, History, Technology and
London: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Architectural Design.
Graduated from the Architectural Engineering
[18] n, a. (2015). What is Acoustic Insulation? Retrieved from department in 1983 from Cairo University,
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-acoustic- followed by ‎M. Arch. in 1988 from the same
insulation.htm#soundproof-room school in Architectural Design. In 1990 he was
awarded his M.Sc. from the University
[19] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2009). Drug Abuse and Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in History and
Addiction. Retrieved from theories of Architecture. In 1993 he was awarded
https://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/addiction/gu his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in
ide/pdfs/lesson4.pdf the dialectics between Materials, Structures, Space
and Architectural Style.

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