The origins of "healthy architecture". Health, hygiene and the quality of life in theory and practice of pre-modern architecture – an outline of research issues

Abstract

The article presents the research issues related to the origins of healthy architecture – methodological assumptions, scope of the study, objectives, and main theses. The subject of study is the issue of human health, hygiene, and psychophysical well-being from the perspective of theory of pre-modern architecture, as well as the philosophical and medical basis of solutions proposed by architects and hygienists in the modern period (16th-19th centuries). The research is based on a critical analysis of source texts – such as architectural treatises, manuals of hygiene, and written statements concerning the rules of designing and using buildings. The author identifies the most relevant contexts, including the ancient and medieval traditions in architecture and medicine, the philosophy, culture, and customs of social elites, the level of knowledge about architecture, engineering, natural sciences, and medicine, building and urban code, and public health regulations. The article briefly discusses the evolution of views on health and disease prevention and the transformation of elements of the "health-promoting" architectural program of buildings.