HEALING WITH NATURE AND PEOPLE : A PHYSICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

Abstract

The thesis is a reaction to the existing environment of healthcare architecture, which through its rapid advancement in technology and efficiency is becoming less friendly and sensitive to patients’ needs. In short, the thesis explores how the existing environment of healthcare can be improved through the studies of healing environments. The vehicle chosen is a physical rehabilitation centre for the disabled; providing a place for them to recuperate in the shortest time possible. From detailed studies of specific requirements of physical rehabilitation and the different connotations of a healing environment, the thesis has abstracted and re-formulated its own definition. The healing environment specific to physical rehabilitation can be interpreted as one that encourages healing through interaction with nature and people (passive/active) to prepare for smoother re-entry of rehabilitated patients into the community. With this definition in mind, the proposed site near Bedok Reservoir Park was chosen due to its dual character; its location at the intersection of a natural park and a community central. In the process of creating the healing environment, the thesis focuses its investigation on the issues of integration of nature and community with architecture through the exploration of relationships between patients’ awareness of and participation in their surroundings, the definition of boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces and the inter-connectivity of spaces (visually/physically).