Humanizing Architecture for Healthcare: Designing a Balance Between System Centered and Patient Centered Architecture
Abstract
Far too often the meaning of
architecture for health care has been focused
on the notion of a provider (system)—
center care instead of a patient—centered
care. This paper will explain the notion
of how crucial the relationship is between
both. Those buildings that achieve a
balance between the two have arrived at a
state of equality and become symbols of
civic pride.
More specifically, this study will take
place on the island of St. Thomas. The
hospital of the island has been scorned for
its deplorable condition both inside and out.
It was not uncommon for the newspapers
to report about the dire hospital medication
and supply shortages, antiquated medical
equipment, a shortage of physician
specialists, and a building quickly going to
ruins, which lead to the threat of
de-certification by Federal officials. Under
the constant barrage of negative publicity,
the public confidence in the hospital was
shaken. I am taking the initiative of
transforming a hospital that has been
neglected far too long, and create a facility
in which the islanders will feel comfortable
in the hospital environment which has
become a spiritual sanctuary in which to
heal.