(re)Center
Rehabilitation should not be about eliminating or breaking a disease, it should consist of accepting the disease and learning how to live with it. |
(re)Center is an environmental experience of the Taos culture aimed at using traditions, rituals, artifacts, and identity to help in the process of rehabilitation. Filtration of light will give a serene and calming environment to the space, as well as feelings of rejuvenation. As the young adult first enters the space, filled with darkness, they feel more comfortable in the shadows. Away from the light and judgment of other people regarding their addiction and/or depression. From here, they are greeted by the house elder and meet other members of the community. Filtration of light through their darkness starts to bring hope. A new member starts to realize they are not alone, recognizing similarities in the experiences of others, making friends, and building a supportive tribe through communal activities in the living room and shared meals in the dining room. As sobriety and resolve develop, they emerge outdoors into an area designed to build strength – through nourishment within the outdoor BBQ area, physical exercise. Soon their inner light becomes more evident as their cultural identity emerges through tribal costume, dance, and ritual. Life is no longer in the shadows, but a variation of light is seen throughout. Whether it be the subtle variations of filtered light, the speckled sparkle of light, or the full spectrum of light. Thus, an active member begins to connect to the greater community through participating in classes, mentoring others, facilitating public programs, providing service in the cafe, and sharing the stories of the positive aspects of shadow which allows one to also recognize light.