Therapeutic Landscaping Element in Drug Rehabilitation Centers in Nigeria: A Means for Patients Recovery

Abstract

Nigeria is faced with the challenges of coping with the continuous increase in the number of drug addicts admitted into the society. This in turn led to the significant increase in the Nation budgetary health allocation to cater for the treatment and rehabilitation of this individuals. Thus it has become imperative to cater for these individuals in health care facilities where they can be properly managed and this has led to the need for rehabilitation centers. Further studies conducted revealed that incorporating nature in the design of spaces play a key role in creating environment that promote the mental and physical wellbeing of their occupants and this makes the incorporation of therapeutic elements in the design of rehabilitation centers necessary in aiding patient’s recovery. The study therefore assessed the use and effectiveness of therapeutic elements as a treatment method in drug rehabilitation centers with a view of improving the wellbeing of patients. The study adopted a case study approach and data gotten were derived from personal observation and documentary evidences. The study concluded that plants are the basic natural elements used while artificial elements such as walk ways and fences are the dominating artificial elements, but this elements have not been fully tapped in Nigeria because they are either completely absent or those present are basically for aesthetic functions. The study further recommends that designs of those present are basically for aesthetic function. The study further recommends that designs of rehabilitation center should incorporate the use of therapeutic landscape elements right from its inception.