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20 November 2025

The Unbroken Centre in Lviv as an Example of Architectural Creation of Rehabilitation

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1
Department of Architecture, Urban Planning and Spatial Planning, Lublin University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
2
Department of Contemporary Architecture, Lublin University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
3
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kielce University of Technology, 25-314 Kielce, Poland
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This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate

Abstract

The Unbroken Rehabilitation Center in Lviv illustrates how architectural design can support recovery in post-conflict conditions. Drawing on concepts of healing environments, evidence-based design, and trauma-informed architecture, this study aimed to identify architectural strategies that enhance physical and psychological rehabilitation in war-affected populations. A mixed-method approach was applied, combining field observations, architectural analysis, and user surveys triangulated with interviews and documentation review. Results show that decentralised layouts, daylight access, barrier-free circulation, and cross-laminated timber (CLT)-based vertical expansion contribute to therapeutic effectiveness. Survey data from 45 respondents confirmed very high ratings for accessibility (9–10/10) and strong appreciation of group therapy rooms (9.0), art therapy (8.8), and music therapy (8.7). These findings highlight the value of sensory and symbolic elements, including natural materials and culturally embedded art. While the exploratory character and uneven respondent distribution limit generalisability, the triangulated methodology enhanced reliability and revealed clear user trends. The study demonstrates that architectural design can actively support resilience and rehabilitation in war-affected contexts, offering transferable insights for future post-conflict reconstruction.

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