A mental health rehabilitation center with halfway homes in Chhatrapati Sambhaji nagar: Maharashtra/

Abstract

Re-Mind is a proposed Mental Health Rehabilitation Center with integrated Halfway Homes located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. This thesis addresses the critical need for community-based mental health care in India, especially in Tier-2 cities where accessible and long-term rehabilitative support is lacking. Re-Mind is envisioned as a therapeutic and inclusive environment that supports individuals aged 18 and above—including farmers, homemakers, widows, and others—facing mental health disorders and psychosocial challenges. The design follows principles of healing architecture, creating spaces that promote dignity, autonomy, and well-being. Key design elements include biophilic features, natural light, passive ventilation, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, all contributing to a calm and restorative atmosphere. The site layout is organized into distinct yet interconnected zones for clinical care, group and individual therapy, vocational training, recreational activities, administration, and residential halfway homes. Facilities at Re-Mind are designed to foster recovery and reintegration, including sensory gardens, activity courts, communal dining, private and shared living spaces, skill-building workshops, and quiet reflection areas. The halfway homes serve as transitional spaces, helping residents gradually regain independence and reconnect with community life, thus ensuring continuity of care post-treatment. With a strong focus on functionality, user-centric planning, and barrier-free design, Re-Mind accommodates diverse user needs while challenging social stigma through an open, accessible, and community-engaged model. The center aims not only to treat, but also to empower—offering a space where architecture acts as a catalyst for healing, resilience, and social inclusion. Through Re-Mind, this thesis reimagines the role of architecture in mental healthcare, positioning it as an active agent in shaping a more empathetic, sustainable, and mentally healthy society.