Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
In the United States, particularly in New England region, there has been an increase in drug overdoses. This drug epidemic includes an escalation in heroin use and rise in the number of opioid deaths each year. In order to improve the situation there needs to be a change in the way individuals with drug and addiction problems receive treatment through counseling and therapy, as well as other programs and activities. This change would create a positive influence and make the world a better place and allow everyone to enjoy life everyday.
The purpose of this project is to create drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for some hundred patients who will stay between 30 and 90 days to reach a full recovery in a retreat-like atmosphere. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs and counseling will educate patients about new methods of interacting with the world around them in a drug-free environment.
Architecture, landscape and site location can play a significant role in an individuals’ healing process. Patients are more likely to successfully recover when they are in a comforting and therapeutic environment. The facility provides a place with a strong visual connection to the surrounding environment and nature – a key element in the recovery process. Natural materials such as stone and wood are used in the design to create a symbiosis with nature.
The quotes on the right can explain how a change needs to be made when dealing with the terrible drug epidemic which can be through architecture. The quote by Jean Nouvel can relate that we need to change the way drug rehabilitation centers are structured with this increase in individuals with drug and addiction problem over the last few years. We need a “new” architecture for these facilities. The second quote by Norman foster shows that architecture has the ability to motivate and inspire. The last quote by Cynthia Leibrock explains that that details in architecture can make a long way in improving a person health.
Recommended Citation
Lombardi Jr., Michael P., "New England Pathway to Recovery: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center around Nature in Rocky Hill, Connecticut" (2018). Architecture Theses. 112.
https://docs.rwu.edu/archthese/112
