Rachel Alexandra Lambourne

Re-Imagined Rehabilitation

Our senses are the very foundation of our psychological perception. However, the strength of each individual perception of the senses will vary from person to person. Partnered with the design theory of psychological and, particularly, environmental architecture, it can be combined to create a space and environment that elicits emotions that subconsciously affects our psyche and overall behaviours.

This project aims to create a space which allows them to rediscover their pre-addiction selves and perhaps unearth new interests and talents, this will have a directly positive effect in reducing the need and want for harmful substances. Doing this through natural environments and stimulating their senses will have a large improvement on their mental wellbeing, their progression on the programme and their outlook of life overall.

The potential to create a rehabilitation centre that places a larger focus on mental rehabilitation by means of sensory stimulation and natural environments is detailed within this document. With the continuously growing number of incidents related to harmful substances within Harehills, an area of Leeds in West Yorkshire which is viewed as more destitute than its surrounding parts, the improvement of the services available to those who need help is imperative in ensuring a better quality of life, not just for the individuals affected but for the community. Sadly, it is quite common to find that some people, family or friends of those affected, do not know how to offer them help or advice, in turn creating a rift between relationships and typically ending with the victim no longer having anywhere else to turn. As it currently stands in todays’ society, those who suffer from addiction are often perceived as burdens and as a result very rarely end up receiving the treatment they need in order to get back on track. As a result of this it is often noticed that there is a direct correlation with mishandled drug use and a rise in homelessness and individuals sleeping rough on the streets. Some people lose themselves and their sense of identity when they fall victim to such a harsh and demoralising addiction and lose aspects of themselves that they once loved. Hobbies now become chores because of fatigue and activities they once loved to do no longer seem as enjoyable because they do not elicit the same high and excitement.

Designed by Rachel Lambourne.