Architecture that improves health

The Sarah Network is a network of hospitals in Brazil developed as a result of a unique partnership between medicine and architecture. Five hospital complexes – all with considerable bed capacity - have been built since 1980 and more are on the way.

This represents a massive contribution to a public healthcare system that has had to cope with the country’s many economic and political changes over the past 20 years. The hospitals contain the following architectural and construction elements:

• Green areas that allow for relaxation and outdoor exercise

• Daylight and natural ventilation

• Flexible, multi-functional areas

• Industrialised components and opportunity for expansion

• Flexible installations with maintenance procedures that disturb patients as little as possible

For example, Sara Fortaleza uses a steel construction system to create large, open rooms that can integrate various functions and are multi purpose. A curvy roof catches the daylight and allows for natural ventilation.

The hospitals are very visually appealing, but privacy is at a minimum. Do patients have the choice of being alone when they wish? While communal spaces are important for patient’s social and medical needs, private spaces can be key in securing patients’ individual identity and personal integrity.