Social Support in Hospital Architecture and Design: Potentials and Challenges

To establish criteria for evaluating the contribution of architecture and design in promoting social support within healthcare facilities, this study used a hospital as a case study. These criteria were based on publications from the Ministry of Health and environmental certification standards. Five key social support indicators were identified: waiting areas, accommodations for companions, interview rooms, internal social spaces, and external gardens or areas for social interaction. The case study revealed that 30% of the indicators were fully met, 20% were partially met, 20% were deemed not applicable, and 30% were not met. The study also highlighted the need to improve standardization requirements.