Abstract
The rapid urbanization of Lagos, Nigeria, has frequently led to the ecological and psychological degradation of institutional spaces, particularly rehabilitation centers in high-density districts such as Oshodi. Conventional renewal strategies in these contexts often prioritize structural maintenance while neglecting the critical intersection of environmental resilience and occupant well-being. This study proposes a conceptual framework for urban renewal that integrates biophilic urbanism with sustainable material technology to facilitate social reintegration. Adopting a qualitative meta-synthesis design, the research systematically appraised peer-reviewed literature and policy documents published between 2019 and 2025. A thematic coding matrix was employed to synthesize findings across environmental, psychological, and technical domains. The synthesis reveals that the integration of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB) and green facade systems significantly enhances indoor thermal comfort while simultaneously reducing institutional stress. Furthermore, the transition from “hard” architectural boundaries to “soft” biophilic borders is theorized to mitigate social stigma, transforming isolated facilities into integrated community assets. The study culminates in a Socio-Architectural Framework that bridges the gap between local material performance and restorative design, concluding that nature-driven renewal is a technical necessity for megacities in the Global South. Finally, it is recommended that the Lagos State Physical Planning Authority incorporate biophilic mandates into urban renewal policies to ensure long-term social and climatic resilience.