The relevance of architecture in the reformation of drug addicts

Abstract

The latest NAO Performance Audit on Tackling Problem Drug Use states that according to the 2011 EMCDDA report, Malta recorded the fourth highest per capita estimate within Europe with regards to problem drug use. By taking a multidisciplinary approach through the combination of architecture and psychology, the dissertation joins the discussion of the relationship between architecture and substance abuse. In essence, the study explores the potential role of architecture in the process of reforming people that are addicted to drugs. The intention of the initial research is to acquire an understanding of the effects of drugs and the behaviour of those experiencing drug withdrawal symptoms. The research also includes an analysis of the concept of affordances, a theory that was developed by the American psychologist James J. Gibson. Furthermore, the study investigates ways and means to mitigate drug dependence through architecture. The research questions were then addressed through interviews with professionals in psychology and through observational studies in drug rehabilitation centres in Malta. This is followed with a summarisation and interpretation of the results. In the concluding chapter, significant points from the literature review were then fused together with the empirical research in order to generate a logical conclusion and a number of recommendations. This was done in order to shed light on the relevance of architecture in the reformation of these individuals. As a matter of fact, it was found out that positive affordances are beneficial for the process of reformation from drug addiction, whereas negative affordances may aggravate the symptoms.