Space, place and recovery: Fostering atmospheres of dignity in interiors where inhabitants have limited influence

The design literature proposes frameworks for building and renovating rehabilitation and recovery facilities that promote wellbeing; however, little attention has been given to temporarily inhabited interiors that provide similar services. The story of two spaces hosting Recovery Café support groups is presented to highlight the importance of place, atmosphere, and control in promoting dignity, empowerment, and self-worth in recovery support settings that operate in borrowed spaces. One space was outfitted with the café in mind, and the other was simply inhabited and dressed for the occasion. Participant observations in both spaces indicated that furniture, fixtures, and displays within a given spatial envelope may impact psychological and social wellbeing by offering self-expression and means to regulate social interactions. Inhabiting a space that restricts participation in the environment poses problems related to belonging and trust. Additionally, places imbued with memory and meaning were potential obstacles in long-term recovery journeys, suggesting that the location of recovery services should be carefully selected.