SOCSO Rehab Centre was shortlisted in the 2014 World Architecture Festival.

Under SOCSO’s "Return to Work" program, disabled patients undergo physical and vocational rehabilitation in order to rejoin the workforce. We called this process the "Journey to Healing," where the patients will heal physically and mentally, and lead a normal working life after the rehabilitation process.

The allied health institute will provide the skilled personnel. This green certified complex was designed with ‘nature’ and ‘spirituality’ integral to the healing process. A universal access-for-all concept and Malaysian Standard for disabled access is applied throughout.

Planning Concept:
• The complex is located on 55 acres of green site. The "journey to healing" is translated architecturally into clusters of buildings arranged in a sequence based on function. A generous 11-foot-wide primary spine for pedestrian access, wheelchair user, electric buggy, and services link these building clusters. The whole composition is set within a lush tropical garden to create a lush resort environment.

• The administration block creates the starting point in the journey. The U-shaped building with a triple-height entrance court is designed to welcome and impress.

• The main rehabilitation blocks, canteen, and hostel are set radially with the Surau (muslim prayer hall) being the axis. The Surau signifies spiritual healing.

• The medical block is designed based on the ‘healing hand,’ where the main facilities and wards form the palm and the five fingers house the therapy blocks. A shaded garden forms a sanctuary for the patient to rest post therapy.

Architecture Concept:
• Each building is given a different identity according to functions and ease of way finding. Calming and soft colors are utilized throughout the complex.

• Great emphasis was placed on green design, such as north-south orientation, maximizing natural lighting and ventilation, a creation of a ‘wind corridor,’ low e-glass materials, fixed and movable shading panels, and rainwater harvesting.