This thesis aimed to develop a theoretical background on two major healthcare design theories: Nightingale's (1859) Nursing Environmental Theory and Ulrich's (1991) theory of Supportive Design. Florence Nightingale (1859) focused her research on quality of care and the built environment's impact on health. Her theory suggests that it takes a combination of nursing and the surrounding environment to create an "optimal setting for God to act naturally" (Nightingale, 1859). Roger Ulrich began further exploring her concepts the early 1980's, which led to the development of his Theory of Supportive Design. Ulrich emphasized in his research the importance of stress reduction in healthcare design. He has suggested that by fostering sense of control, encouraging social support, and providing access to nature and positive distractions, a supportive environment can be achieved. His ideas eventually led to the development of Evidence-based design, the practice of basing design decisions on extensive research (Hamilton, 2003).Utilizing the theoretical background, The Supportive Design Space Assessment Matrix was developed. This matrix was used to assess supportive design elements in two pre existing substance abuse treatment facilities, one of which was an evidence-based design, and the other which was a retrofit design. Based on the matrix, it was found that the evidence-based design was more successful in providing a supportive environment for its patients. The other goal of this thesis was to utilize the theoretical framework, case studies, and Supportive Design Space Assessment Matrix to develop a retrofit design for a substance abuse treatment facility. The design for this thesis project was created using the concept of a hummingbird, which symbolizes that all obstacles can be overcome. This is a suitable concept for this project because itdemonstrates strength and courage for teens who are undergoing a difficult time in their lives. This design was developed utilizing the principles laid out in Supportive Design Theory as well as Nightingales Nursing Environmental Theory. The proposed design for this thesis incorporates strategies that encourage social support, sense of control, and positive distractions through nature. Proposed floor plans and computer renderings demonstrate how substance abuse treatment facilities can successfully foster coping with stress and promote healing.
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