PHYSICAL PLANT
IAEC STANDARDS

1600. ARTICLE 6. PHYSICAL PLANT

1601. ARCHITECTURAL ASPECTS OF RECOVERY-CONDUCIVE HOUSING

Architectural aspects of design should be similar to those for regular residences with a few important differences.

 

• Societally: Design should encourage residents to contact each other incidentally, informally, and without status barriers. Mundane contacts with each other during the course of the day are the medium for recovery in a well-designed setting.

• Communality: Space should be available for all residents to meet for community meetings, and to attend community events (parties, meals, holidays, celebrations).

• Security: Entrance and exits must be controlled. This means that perimeter security and monitoring of the front door are necessary. Human security (people circulating through the facility) is far preferable to electronic security.

• Durability and quality of furnishings: Only the highest quality fixtures, materials, appliances and furniture should be used. The extra investment in the beginning repays itself many times over.

 

Upkeep and appearance: Repair, maintenance, cleanliness, and attractiveness are critical elements in the life of the house. The upkeep and appearance of the house are a metaphor for the lives of the residents.
Personalization and comfort: Residents should feel the place is their own. This means allowing room for personal possessions, decorating one’s own area, etc.

 

(Reprinted with permission, “The architecture of recovery: Prospects for the nineties for housing low-income people with alcohol and drug problems”, Friedner D. Wittman, Clew Associates, presented April 10, 1992, at a Conference on Recovery-Conducive Affordable Housing Strategies, University of California, San Diego.)

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1602. SPACE
Space should be adequate to accommodate each individual comfortably and with dignity and respect. Common areas should be large enough to provide space for all residents to eat together and to attend meetings.