Architecture & Childbirth

The positive influence of architecture on women during labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

R. de Geus Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

Birgit Jürgenhake Public Building and Housing Design (mentor)
L.M. Oorschot Teachers of Practice / A - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
M. Meizoso Aguilar Teachers of Practice / AE+T - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
More Info
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Published Date

25-06-2024

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

Under the influence of negative experiences, childbirth can be harmful and have negative effects on women’s (mental) health. One of the factors affecting women’s experience of childbirth is the physical environment. Unfortunately, contemporary maternal healthcare facilities are often designed from a highly-regulated and medicalized maternity care perspective, instead of a woman-centered design approach. In order to comply with women’s (environmental) needs and to create a more women-centered design approach, design guidelines have been formed based on literature study, fieldwork including semistructured interviews, and case studies. Using these guidelines, the architectural environment could contribute to a positive experience, improving health & well-being, for women during the stage of LDRP* in a maternal healthcare facility.

*an acronym for labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum