Evaluating Therapeutic Architecture Principles in Wellness Resort Design: A Case Study of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate

Studies (CHES – CUCRID RESEARCH CLUSTER), Ota, Nigeria jesunifemi.akingbadepgs@stu.cu.edu.ng Therapeutic architecture in wellness resort design supports and enhances users’ physical and mental well-being through principles such as natural integration, the use of art and colour, the provision of natural light and ventilation, and circulation patterns. The study aims to evaluate the application of therapeutic architecture principles and spatial circulation elements at Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate in Lagos, Nigeria, towards promoting mental well-being in resort design. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the integration of therapeutic architecture principles and spatial circulation elements in the resort’s layout and to examine the factors that promote healing and well-being in wellness resorts. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data. The research design is a case study where the research instruments are an observation guide and a structured questionnaire for data collection. Users of the resort are surveyed to measure perceptions of well-being in relation to therapeutic principles, spatial circulation elements, and the factors that influence well-being. Findings show that Connection with Nature, Multi-Sensory Design, and Integration of Artwork and Colour are the most strongly implemented therapeutic principles, while Direction, Hierarchy, and Flow is the strongest spatial circulation dimensions; Natural Ventilation records the lowest score, reflecting continued reliance on mechanical cooling. A factor analysis of 14 well-being items yields four underlying components: Emotional and Nature Connection, Social Belonging, Passive Control, and Mental Comfort, jointly explaining 87.88% of the variance, with Emotional and Nature Connection the dominant factor. The use of the therapeutic architecture principles significantly improves the well-being of the users of the space. This study will provide more information for architects on how to better design and integrate these principles in wellness resorts. Validation of Self-Healing Concrete and Critical Role