Integrating Nature and Therapy: Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology

Idea projektu

The Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) – Rajshahi aims to bridge the gap in rehabilitation services for individuals with paralysis and neurological disorders in northwestern Bangladesh. Currently, existing healthcare facilities in the region lack sufficient infrastructure and accessibility to cater to the growing number of patients requiring long-term rehabilitation. Inspired by CRP’s pioneering work in Savar, this project envisions an advanced, inclusive, and sustainable rehabilitation center that integrates nature and therapy to facilitate recovery and independence.
Goals & Objectives

This project is guided by a holistic, patient-centered approach that prioritizes accessibility, healing environments, and sustainable practices. The primary objectives include:

Creating a Healing Environment:
Incorporating natural elements such as therapeutic landscapes, water bodies, and open spaces to support physical and psychological well-being.
Ensuring maximum daylight, ventilation, and green spaces to enhance the recovery process.

Designing an Inclusive & Accessible Space:
Implementing universal design principles to accommodate patients with varying levels of mobility.
Facilitating easy movement with barrier-free circulation, ramps, and vertical accessibility solutions.

Integrating Rehabilitation & Community Engagement:
Establishing specialized therapy zones, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, and prosthetic workshops.
Providing vocational training and social reintegration programs to empower patients beyond medical recovery.

Sustainability & Resilience:
Utilizing local materials and passive design strategies to reduce energy consumption.
Incorporating rainwater harvesting, renewable energy sources, and natural shading techniques to create an environmentally responsible facility.

Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure in Rajshahi:
Addressing the current shortage of rehabilitation facilities by creating a comprehensive center that can serve 12,000+ patients annually.
Enhancing accessibility to rehabilitation services for people from surrounding districts like Natore, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, and Pabna.


The CRP Rajshahi is designed to be more than a medical facility—it is a self-sustaining, therapeutic community where individuals regain their independence and dignity. By integrating nature, therapy, and innovative healthcare design, this project aspires to set a benchmark for future rehabilitation centers in Bangladesh and beyond.

Popis projektu

1. Addressing the Need for Rehabilitation in Northwestern Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, rehabilitation facilities are limited, especially outside the capital. While CRP in Savar provides essential services, patients from Rajshahi and surrounding districts lack access to comprehensive rehabilitation centers. This project aims to fill that gap by designing a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center that prioritizes patient well-being, accessibility, and sustainability.
2. A Nature-Integrated Healing Approach

Unlike traditional hospital designs, this project integrates natural elements into therapy spaces to enhance the healing process. Research indicates that nature-based rehabilitation significantly improves patient recovery. This center will incorporate:

Therapeutic gardens, sensory paths, and healing landscapes to reduce stress and aid recovery.
Water elements such as hydrotherapy pools to provide low-impact physical therapy for patients with spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders.
Natural ventilation, daylight optimization, and passive cooling strategies to enhance comfort while reducing energy consumption.

3. Universal Accessibility and Inclusive Design

The facility is designed to accommodate a diverse patient demographic, including spinal cord injury patients, stroke survivors, and children with neurological disorders. Key design solutions include:

Barrier-free circulation with ramps, elevators, and wide corridors for wheelchair accessibility.
Therapy zones tailored for different disabilities, such as gait training areas, prosthetics workshops, and social reintegration spaces.
User-friendly wayfinding systems to assist individuals with cognitive or sensory impairments.

4. Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services

To provide a holistic recovery journey, the center will integrate:

Medical care (emergency unit, surgical care, ICU, pathology, radiology).
Physical rehabilitation therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy).
Vocational training programs to equip patients with skills for independent living.
Psychosocial support services, including mental health counseling and social reintegration programs.

5. Sustainable and Adaptive Design

Given Rajshahi’s climate, the design prioritizes energy-efficient and environmentally responsible solutions:

Use of local materials (bamboo, brick, and terracotta) to promote sustainability.
Rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and green roofs to reduce the ecological footprint.
Flexible design solutions to accommodate future technological advancements and evolving healthcare needs.

Technické informace

1. General Information

Project Type: Healthcare & Rehabilitation Facility
Location: Katakhali, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Site Area: 12.5 acres (50,585 sqm)
Total Built-Up Area: 4.3 acres (17,400 sqm)
Number of Floors: Ground + 4 Floors + Basement
Total Bed Capacity: 220
Parking Capacity: 55 (including 5 for Persons with Disabilities - PWD)

2. Structural & Material Specifications

Structural System: Reinforced Concrete Frame Structure (RC Frame)
Foundation Type: Deep Foundation (Pile Foundation) to ensure stability on Rajshahi’s soil conditions
Primary Construction Materials:
Concrete: High-strength reinforced concrete (M30 Grade)
Brick: Locally sourced, Eco-friendly clay bricks
Glass: Double-glazed for heat insulation and natural light optimization
Roofing: Green roofs and insulated roofing sheets to reduce heat absorption

3. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

Passive Design Strategies:
Orientation optimized for maximum natural ventilation and daylight
Deep overhangs & shading devices to minimize heat gain
Vegetated roofs & landscape buffers to improve micro climate
Renewable Energy Sources:
Solar Panels: Installed on rooftops for partial energy supply
Rainwater Harvesting: Collection and filtration system for irrigation and grey water use
Water Recycling System: Wastewater treatment for reuse in landscaping
Cooling & Ventilation:
Hybrid cooling system using natural cross-ventilation & mechanical ventilation
Low-energy HVAC system with air purification features

4. Accessibility & User-Centric Design

Universal Design Features:
Barrier-free circulation with ramps, elevators, and tactile paving
Wheelchair-accessible doorways, washrooms, and therapy zones
Braille signage and auditory guidance systems for visually impaired users
Therapeutic Spaces:
Outdoor healing gardens, hydrotherapy pool, sensory walkways
Prosthetics & Orthotics Lab for assistive device fabrication
Multi-purpose rehab hall for social reintegration programs

5. Functional Zoning & Space Allocation

Medical Units: Emergency, ICU, Radiology, Pathology, Surgery
Rehabilitation Therapy: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Hydrotherapy
Patient Wards: Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke Recovery, Pediatric Unit
Community & Wellness Spaces: Psychological Counseling, Vocational Training, Social Welfare
Administrative & Service Areas: Reception, Staff Quarters, Pharmacy, Parking