Evolution of medical architecture

This article deals with the history of medical architecture development in Russia and abroad. Numerous examples of buildings of healthcare facilities, from ancient times to the present day, are given. Buildings of hospitals and clinics were erected in the architectural traditions then prevailing. Features of healthcare facilities, which determine their architectural concept, are: type and purpose of the healthcare facility, scope and structure of medical services, location in the urban environment, architectural environment, etc. When designing the construction and reconstruction of hospitals and outpatient clinics, parameters of wards, doctor’s offices, procedure and administrative premises shall be taken into account. Special attention shall be paid to requirements to surgical theaters, intensive care units and other facilities with sophisticated equipment and numerous utilities.