Architecture of Prussian asylums in Prussian Poland as a reflection of the development of German psychiatry and health policy in 19th century

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present a short overview of site layout and architectural solutions of Prussian institutions for the mentally and nervously ill in the 19th and early 20th centuries, on the example of the complexes created in the Polish territory (Prussian Poland) ranging from hospitals located in adapted buildings to modern, extensive facilities, which according to the views of the time were supposed to be a tool of therapy. Prussian asylums in Poland were built according to the high standards set for this type of building in the Kingdom of Prussia and later in united Germany. They reflect the trends in the rapidly developing 19th century German psychiatry, supported by the social and health policies of the state. The psychiatric institutions discussed in the article include all architectural and site layout solutions applied in Prussia, including model institutions such as the hospital in Lubiąż or those awarded at exhibitions such as the facility in Owińska. This proved the high level of architecture of the hospitals erected in Poland. The phenomenon of this architecture, bathed in greenery, designed as a part of therapy, has never ended. Both small pavilions for patients, social facilities, gardens and parks are still great for treatment. Complex of hospitals for the mentally ill are a testimony of cooperation between architects and doctors in order to build the best therapeutic spaces that are still valid. Thanks to the cosy architectural and urban interiors, the interaction of architecture with nature and greenery, the introduction of a climate of peace and harmony, which is often lacking in contemporary, huge hospital complexes, they still successfully fulfil their function.