The Impact of the Built Environment on Psychological Well-being of Battle Casualties in Sri Lankan Rehabilitation Centers

Abstract

Architecture is a silent maestro that orchestrates human experience, intertwining aesthetics, emotions, and psychological well-being. Resilient warriors returning from the Eelam War carry not only physical wounds but also enduring psychological scars. This research delves into Sri Lankan rehabilitation centers, exploring the profound connection between the built environment and the psychological well-being of Eelam War battle casualties. The study focuses on a rehabilitation center in Sri Lanka dedicated to addressing the specialized healthcare needs of war veterans with psychological impairments. It scrutinizes the existing center, probing whether its architectural features address the specific psychological needs of veterans, including preferred environments, safety, routines, nature, and social connections crucial for healing. This research acknowledges the ability of architecture to communicate with individuals on physical, emotional, and intellectual levels, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. The study challenges architects and designers to comprehend spatial intricacies for overcoming trauma, considering the dual journey of a disabled soldier’s recovery—both physical and psychological. The aim of the research is to identify spatial requirements through literature reviews and case studies, offering valuable insights for future military rehabilitation center designers. The rehabilitation center’s architecture, planning, and spatial sciences were observed as part of the case study process, which carefully analyzes Sri Lanka's post-civil war conditions. The data were analyzed qualitatively through thematic analysis. This research contributes to the evolution of architectural settings by restoring a psychological state of equilibrium and connection with the built environment.