Thesis Title: TAHANAN NG PAGBABAGO: A Proposed Municipal Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Lopez, Quezon – Developing Diverse Therapeutic Environment through Salutogenic Architecture
Thesis Proponents: Carl Angelo M. Basto, Michael V. Ongaria, Jane Rose C. Reyes, Riezel A. Rongalerios, Daren Kent C. Ursulum.
Thesis Adviser: Rizalina A. Quincina
School: Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Lopez Campus
Year of Defense/Publication: 2023 (Best Thesis)
Abstract
This study proposes a Municipal Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Lopez, Quezon that integrates the principles of Salutogenic Architecture to provide a therapeutic and healing environment for substance-abuse patients. Recognizing that rehabilitation extends beyond medical treatment, the study highlights the significant role of architecture in promoting patients' physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Through therapeutic spaces, accessibility, environmental responsiveness, and security-oriented design interventions, the proposed facility aims to support holistic treatment and sustainable recovery among its users. The proposed design likewise promotes patient-centered healthcare environments that encourage dignity, social reintegration, and improved treatment experiences throughout the rehabilitation process.
Background of the Study
Substance abuse remains one of the major public health concerns in the Philippines, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Its adverse effects extend beyond physical and mental health concerns, influencing social relationships, productivity, and economic stability. Rehabilitation facilities have become essential institutions that provide opportunities for treatment, recovery, and successful reintegration into society. However, effective rehabilitation requires more than medical and psychological interventions alone. Contemporary healthcare architecture recognizes that the built environment significantly influences patients' comfort, emotional responses, stress levels, and overall recovery experiences.
The study adopts Salutogenic Architecture as its primary design framework, emphasizing environmental factors that promote health, healing, and well-being. Unlike conventional healthcare approaches that primarily focus on illness and treatment, salutogenic design promotes environments that actively contribute to patients' recovery processes. Architectural elements such as natural lighting, accessibility, therapeutic gardens, recreational spaces, sensory design applications, and environmental responsiveness contribute to creating environments that positively influence patients' physical and psychological well-being.
The proposed Municipal Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center seeks to provide humane, secure, and patient-centered treatment services that address the healthcare needs of substance-abuse patients in Lopez, Quezon. More importantly, the proposed rehabilitation center recognizes the growing importance of therapeutic environments in enhancing treatment outcomes and improving patients' quality of life. By integrating healthcare and architecture, the facility aims to provide spaces that support holistic healing and sustainable recovery among its occupants.
Methodology
The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design utilizing surveys, case studies, interviews, and naturalistic observations to gather comprehensive and reliable information relevant to rehabilitation services and healthcare facility planning. Purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents possessing experiences and professional expertise related to rehabilitation programs and healthcare architecture.
A total of 192 substance-abuse patients and 60 professional respondents participated in the research. The professional respondents included architects, healthcare practitioners, government officials, and allied professionals involved in rehabilitation services and healthcare planning. Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires utilizing a five-point Likert scale to determine the factors influencing substance abuse, identify the interventions necessary for successful rehabilitation programs, and evaluate the architectural considerations required for developing therapeutic treatment environments.
Statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentage analysis, and weighted mean computations were utilized to analyze the collected data and provide reliable interpretations of the study's findings. The chosen methodology enabled the researchers to comprehensively assess the therapeutic and architectural requirements necessary for creating patient-centered rehabilitation facilities.
Summary of Findings and Discussion
The findings revealed that most substance-abuse patients belonged to the 26 to 40 years old age group and were primarily classified as outpatients. Male respondents comprised the majority of the patient population. These demographic characteristics emphasize the importance of designing rehabilitation facilities that are flexible and capable of responding to varying treatment requirements while maintaining accessibility and functionality.
Curiosity and experimentation emerged as the leading personal reasons for substance abuse, while peer and social influence ranked highest among socio-cultural factors contributing to addiction. These findings indicate that substance dependency is influenced by both individual and environmental factors that require holistic treatment approaches. Consequently, rehabilitation programs should address behavioral, emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of recovery to provide more sustainable treatment outcomes.
Behavioral and cognitive interventions were identified as significant contributors to successful rehabilitation programs. Counseling and therapy sessions, psychological evaluations, behavioral health medical assistance, personal development activities, and after-care support programs received highly favorable assessments from respondents. These interventions emphasize the importance of providing continuous support mechanisms that extend beyond patients' immediate treatment needs.
Community-based interventions and local government support were likewise recognized as essential components of sustainable recovery. Respondents acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, communities, and government institutions in establishing rehabilitation programs that effectively address patients' long-term needs. These findings reinforce the value of rehabilitation facilities that actively promote social reintegration and community participation throughout the recovery process.
From an architectural perspective, environmental considerations received the highest assessment among the factors necessary in designing therapeutic environments. Accessibility, ease of use, and functional space planning were also regarded as important design considerations that positively influence treatment experiences. Respondents strongly agreed that rehabilitation facilities should provide environments that actively promote healing while maintaining safety, comfort, and functionality for their occupants.
The application of Salutogenic Architecture demonstrated substantial potential in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. Security-oriented architectural interventions, including strong structural systems and protective barriers, ranked highest among treatment-enhancing factors. Furthermore, sunlight was recognized as an important therapeutic component because of its psychological and physiological benefits. Additional design interventions such as healing gardens, recreational spaces, sensory design applications, and acoustic improvements collectively contribute to creating holistic therapeutic environments that support patients throughout their recovery process. These architectural interventions demonstrate that healthcare environments can significantly influence patients' healing experiences and overall well-being.
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Conclusion and Recommendations
The study concludes that architecture significantly contributes to improving rehabilitation outcomes by creating environments that actively support healing and recovery. Through the integration of Salutogenic Architecture principles, the proposed Municipal Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center provides a therapeutic, accessible, and secure environment that addresses the diverse needs of substance-abuse patients. By prioritizing environmental quality, patient-centered design, and holistic treatment approaches, rehabilitation facilities may effectively promote sustainable recovery and successful social reintegration.
The researchers recommend the development of patient-centered rehabilitation facilities that prioritize therapeutic design, accessibility, and holistic treatment. Local government units are encouraged to support community-based rehabilitation programs, while future studies should further explore the applications of Salutogenic Architecture in enhancing healthcare environments and patient well-being.
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