ABSTRACT
Vesico-vagina fistulae (VVF) is a medico-socio problem for women which is often associated with stigmatisation and rejection by the society. Such type of patients need to be treated, rehabilitated and reintegrated back into the society in an environment that not only provides the basic medical opportunities (healing of the body), but also provide the much needed psychological healing (healing of the mind and soul). This is crucial aspect in recovery and rehabilitation process and this can only be achieved by adopting a design strategy that will seek to create spaces that communicate to the mind and soul of its users. This research explores Biophilia and biophilic design features in an attempt to identify those that can be applied to the design of vesico-vagina fistulae centre and similar facilities. Case studies methodology was adopted for the research by identifying three VVF centre in Katsina, Birnin Kebbi and Sokoto. The findings suggest that, using certain biophilic design features in healthcare and rehabilitation environment helps in the recovery and rehabilitation process. such aspects of biophilic design features includes; natural lighting, natural ventilation, local materials, natural forms, site features, ecological design approach, natural materials and natural processes. The thesis concludes that though biophilia is a new design theory not well known and practiced in developing countries, more research need to be done on the subject in an attempt to improve on how best to use in Africa. Recommendations were made on how best to utilise the advantage of biophilic design in health care facilities as a matter of policy from government.