Abstract

The awareness of the positive effects of open spaces whether indoor or outdoor on patients' healing process has long been identified in hospital architecture and the integration of open spaces for the purpose of therapy has begun to be applied. This research aims to provide a new holistic approach to maternity hospital design that involves relieving the fears and disorientation of patients (through the integration of open spaces in maternity hospitals for such therapeutic functions) that may hinder medical treatment. Qualitative research method was applied for this research, making use of case study approach and application of observation schedule. Results of this research show that there is total disregard of the use of open spaces in hospital design. The research recommended that there should be consideration towards the integration of open spaces into future maternity hospital design.

Keywords: Maternity; Hospital; Courtyards; Open spaces; Therapeutic