International Peer-Reviewed Journal•Open Access•ISSN 2456-8880
irejournals@gmail.com•+91-7433024337

Home / Current Issue / Paper 1712811

1712811 Vol 9 · Issue 6 Download Paper

Application of Therapeutic Design Strategies for Optimal Healing in Proposed Drug Rehabilitation Center, Kano

Abdulkadir Abubakar Katagum Ibrahim Abubakar Alkali Salim Bashir Umar Hamza Abubakar Dadum

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Healing Architecture

DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I6-1712811

Abstract

Drug addiction remains a pressing global health challenge, with serious implications for public health, social stability, and economic development. In Nigeria, and particularly in Kano State, the rising prevalence of substance abuse such as tramadol, codeine, and cannabis underscores the urgent need for effective rehabilitation facilities. This study examines the application of therapeutic design strategies to optimize healing in drug rehabilitation centers in Kano. A qualitative research approach was employed; utilizing case studies of three rehabilitation centers Amana Sanatorium, Kano State Rehabilitation Center, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Rehabilitation Ward, these case studies were complimented by interviews and structured observations. Findings from the three case studies revealed significant variability in the integration of therapeutic strategies; Amana Sanatorium achieved moderate efficiency in natural exposure but lacked recreational and therapy facilities. Kano State Rehabilitation Center scored lowest across all variables, reflecting systemic neglect of healing design and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Rehabilitation ward performed relatively better, particularly in exposure to nature and use of open spaces, though it also lacked structured therapy provisions. Furthermore, it has been observed that most facilities lack essential therapeutic design features, such as natural lighting, ventilation, color therapy, open spaces, and recreational provisions, which are crucial for fostering healing environments. The study identifies natural elements, spatial organization, and sensory design strategies as key contributors to improved recovery outcomes. These insights provide practical recommendations for architects, healthcare planners, and policymakers in Nigeria to integrate therapeutic principles into future rehabilitation projects.

Keywords

Therapeutic design, Drug rehabilitation, Healing architecture, Physical environment, Nigeria

References

[1] Adamu, M., & Ibrahim, A. (2019). The role of natural environments in psychiatric hospital design: A Nigerian perspective. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 65(2), 101-112. https://

[2] Adeoye, T. (2021). Design challenges of drug rehabilitation centers in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Architecture, 23(1), 55–69.

[3] Campbell, C., & Deacon, H. (2006). Unravelling the Contexts of Stigma: From Internalisation to Resistance to Change. APA PsycNet.

[4] Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications, 90-105.

[5] Daryl, B. O., Julian, F. T., & Kavita, V. (2021). Stress and Health: A Review of Psychobiological Processes. Annual Review of Psychology.

[6] Dewidar, K. (2016). Effect of applying therapeutic Architecture on the healing of drug addicts.

[7] Gambo, Y., & Yusuf, S. (2020). Sustainable hospital design in semi-arid Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Architecture, 12(1), 101–116.

[8] Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma. Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Scientific Research.

[9] Hunt, F. (2013). For Better Public Health.

[10] Ijaiya, G. T., & Bello, R. A. (2018). Demand for modern health care services and the incidence of poverty in Nigeria: a case study of Ilorin Metropolis. IFRA-Nigeria, 113-129.

[11] Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016, May 23). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making. Retrieved from PubMed Central: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM C5004743/

[12] Katyal, N. K. (2002). Architecture as Crime Control. Yale Law Journal, 109-139.

[13] Kellert, R. S. (2018). Nature by Design: The Practice of Biophilic Design.

[14] Kellert, S. R. (2008). Dimensions, elements and attributes of Biophilic design. Nature by Design.

[15] Kellert, S. R. (2017). The Practice of Biophilic Design. The Biophilia Hypothesis.

[16] Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis. PMC PubMed Central, 760-773.

[17] Kosslyn, M. S., & Rosenberg, R. S. (2015). Psychology: The Brain, the person, the world. Michigan: Allyn and Beacon.

[18] Mackrill, J., ennings, P., & Cain, R. (2014). Exploring positive hospital ward soundscape intervention. Applied Ergonomics, 45(6), 1454–1460.

[19] Marcus, C. (1999). Healing Gardens: Therapeutic Benefits and Design Recommendation.

[20] Marcus, C. C., & Sachs, N. A. (2014). Therapeutic Landscape: An evidence-based approach to designing healing gardens and restorative outdoor spaces.

[21] Morgenthaler, H. (2015). Effect of Applying Therapeutic Architecture on the healing of Drug Addicts.

[22] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). National Institute on Drug Abuse Rehabilation Center Guidline. National Institute on Drug Abuse.

[23] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Drugs, Brains, and Behaviour: The Science of Addiction. Spain: National Institute on Drug Abuse.

[24] Nicola, D. (2018, October 22). Psychiatry Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/prac tice-management/designing-the-therapeutic- space-using-layout-color-and-other-elements- to-get-patients-in-the-right-frame-of-mind/

[25] Nwachukwu, E., & Obioha, C. (2020). Challenges of drug rehabilitation in Nigeria: The design dimension. African Journal of Health Environment, 14(2), 47–61.

[26] Oladipo, T., & Lawal, S. (2020). Patient satisfaction in Nigerian rehabilitation facilities: The role of design. Nigerian Journal of Healthcare Architecture, 15(3), 87–99.

[27] Oyeyemi, B., James, O., Okunade, K. S., Adekunle, A. A., & Wasiu, L. A. (2021). Evaluation of the use and effectiveness of telemedicine among health professionals during the COVD 19 lockdown period: A Cross sectional study. Clinical Sciences, 117-122.

[28] Pallasmaa, J. S. (2005). Lived space: Embodied experience and sensory thought. Encounters. Architectural Essays.

[29] Phillips, R., & Benoit, C. (2013). Exploring Stigma by Association among Front-Line Care Providers Serving Sex Workers. Healthcare Policy , 131-151.

[30] Popper, C. W. (2013). Mood Disorders in Youth: Exercise, Light Therapy, and Integrative Approaches. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 403–441.

[31] Read, M. A., Sugawara, A. I., & Brandt, J. A. (1999). Impact of Space and Colour in the Physical Environment. Environment and Behaviour, 413–428.

[32] Reed, D. E., & Stanish, H. I. (2012). Community and rehabilitation: Designing social spaces for recovery. Journal of Therapeutic Architecture, 9(1), 55–69.

[33] Ryan, C. O., Browning, W. D., Clancy, J. O., Andrews, S. L., & Kallianpurkar, N. B. (2014). Biophillic Design Patterns: Emerging Nature- Based Parameters for Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment. International Journal for Architectural Research, 62-76.

[34] Sapmaz, F., Tayfun, D., Seda, S., & Selin , T. K. (2012). Examining Predictive Role of Psychological Need Satisfaction on Happiness in terms of Self-Determination Theory. Social and Behavioral Sciences, 55.

[35] Schaller, M. (1997). The psychological consequences of fame: Three tests of the self- consciousness hypothesis. Journal of Personality, 291–309.

[36] Seaward, B. L. (2011). Essential of Managing Stress. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Chicago.

[37] Shepherd, J. P. (1991). Alcohol and Violence. Sage Journals Home.

[38] Shepley, M., & Pasha, S. (2013). Design for Mental and Behavioural Health.

[39] Stephanidou, E. (2011). Architectural Spaces and the Reformation of Drug Addicts. Unpublished Thesis submitted to Architecture Department, University of Nicosia.

[40] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Drug Rehabilitation Centre Guidline. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

[41] Uchino, B. N. (2006). Social Support and Health: A Review of Physiological Processes Potentially Underlying Links to Disease outcome . Journal of Behaviour and Medicine, 377-387.

[42] Ulrich. (2004). The Role of the Physical Environment in the Hospital of the 21st Century: A Once in a lifetime Oppurtunity. The Center for Health Design, 1-69.

[43] Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View Through the Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. Science .

[44] Ulrich, R. S. (2002). Health Benefits of Gardens in Hospitals. Plants for People International Exhibition. Texas: Center for Health Systems and Design Colleges of Architecture and Medicine.

[45] Ulrich, R. S. (2008). Biophilic theory and research for health design. Design of Therapeutic Environments.

[46] Ulrich, R. S., Bogren, L., Grdiner, S. K., & Lundin, S. (2018). Psychiatric Ward Design Can Reduce Aggresive Behaviour. Journal of Environmental Psychology.

[47] Ulrich, R. S., Bogren, L., Gardiner, S. K., & Lundin, S. (2018). Healing design: Application of evidence-based design in healthcare. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 11(1), 11 –31. https://

[48] Valdez, P., & Mehrabian , A. (1994). Effect of Colour on Emotions. Experimental Psychology , 394-409.

[49] Van Lith, T., Schofield, M. J., & Fenner, P. (2013, August 16). Identifying the evidence- base for art-based practices and their potential benefit for mental health recovery: a critical review. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23116320/

[50] Volkow, N. D., Ruben, D. B., Wilson, M. C., & Susan, R. B. (2014). Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use. The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL of MEDICINE.

[51] Wakawa, U. B., & Bin Said, I. (2014). Natural Play Materials as Motivator for Health Restoration in Paediatric Ward of Nigerian Hospital. Advanced Material Research, 988, 407–410.

[52] World Health Organisation. (2020). International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorder. Geneva: World Health Organisation.

[53] Yusuf, S., Cross, O., Muritala, A., Umar, A., & May, I. (2022). Impact of Training and Developement on the Performnace of Rehabilitaion Center. Human Resource and Sustainability Study.

[54] Zahr, L. K. (1998). Therapeutic play for hospitalized preschoolers in Lebanon. Paediatric Nursing, 24(5), 449–454.

[55] Zborowsky, T., & Mary, J. K. (2013). Creating Optimal Healing Environments in a Health Care Setting.

[56] Zeisel, J. (2013). Improving Person-centered Care through Effective Design. Generations.

How to cite this paper

Abdulkadir Abubakar Katagum, Ibrahim Abubakar Alkali, Salim Bashir Umar, Hamza Abubakar Dadum "Application of Therapeutic Design Strategies for Optimal Healing in Proposed Drug Rehabilitation Center, Kano" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 6 2025 Page 1744-1752 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712811
Abdulkadir Abubakar Katagum, Ibrahim Abubakar Alkali, Salim Bashir Umar, Hamza Abubakar Dadum "Application of Therapeutic Design Strategies for Optimal Healing in Proposed Drug Rehabilitation Center, Kano" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 6, Dec. 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712811
Abdulkadir Abubakar Katagum, Ibrahim Abubakar Alkali, Salim Bashir Umar, Hamza Abubakar Dadum (2025). Application of Therapeutic Design Strategies for Optimal Healing in Proposed Drug Rehabilitation Center, Kano. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(6). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712811
Abdulkadir Abubakar Katagum, Ibrahim Abubakar Alkali, Salim Bashir Umar, Hamza Abubakar Dadum "Application of Therapeutic Design Strategies for Optimal Healing in Proposed Drug Rehabilitation Center, Kano" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 6, Dec. 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712811
@article{1712811,
      author = {Abdulkadir Abubakar Katagum, Ibrahim Abubakar Alkali, Salim Bashir Umar, Hamza Abubakar Dadum},
      title = {Application of Therapeutic Design Strategies for Optimal Healing in Proposed Drug Rehabilitation Center, Kano},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {6},
      pages = {1744-1752},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1712811.pdf},
      abstract = {Drug addiction remains a pressing global health challenge, with serious implications for public health, social stability, and economic development. In Nigeria, and particularly in Kano State, the rising prevalence of substance abuse such as tramadol, codeine, and cannabis underscores the urgent need for effective rehabilitation facilities. This study examines the application of therapeutic design strategies to optimize healing in drug rehabilitation centers in Kano. A qualitative research approach was employed; utilizing case studies of three rehabilitation centers Amana Sanatorium, Kano State Rehabilitation Center, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Rehabilitation Ward, these case studies were complimented by interviews and structured observations. Findings from the three case studies revealed significant variability in the integration of therapeutic strategies; Amana Sanatorium achieved moderate efficiency in natural exposure but lacked recreational and therapy facilities. Kano State Rehabilitation Center scored lowest across all variables, reflecting systemic neglect of healing design and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Rehabilitation ward performed relatively better, particularly in exposure to nature and use of open spaces, though it also lacked structured therapy provisions. Furthermore, it has been observed that most facilities lack essential therapeutic design features, such as natural lighting, ventilation, color therapy, open spaces, and recreational provisions, which are crucial for fostering healing environments. The study identifies natural elements, spatial organization, and sensory design strategies as key contributors to improved recovery outcomes. These insights provide practical recommendations for architects, healthcare planners, and policymakers in Nigeria to integrate therapeutic principles into future rehabilitation projects.},
      keywords = {Therapeutic design, Drug rehabilitation, Healing architecture, Physical environment, Nigeria},
      month = {December},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712811}
  }