Architecture as a healing agent: reimagining community-based recovery spaces for active substance consumers and recovering addicts in Sudbury, Ontario

Abstract

Architecture can act as an active participant in healing, rather than a backdrop to it. This thesis reimagines recovery spaces in a rehabilitation centre for people who use drugs in Greater Sudbury, where rising recreational drug use, limited treatment infrastructure and prevalent stigma create an architectural opportunity. Rooted in place and the hypothesis that healing is easier at a collective level, this thesis proposes a long-term drug rehabilitation residence, a detox and early recovery facility, and safe consumption site, each designed to provide unconditional access to care. Through examining case studies, evidence-based therapeutic design frameworks and research into existing treatment models, this project researches how spatial qualities, strategic programming, and nature integration can support a safe and dignified long-term recovery for active and recovering drug users. This work seeks to create places that feel safe enough to stay and familiar enough to return to.