CfP: Architecture for Health, Resting and Well-being (1914-1975). Pamplona, 27-29 April 2022

Call for Papers: Architecture for Health, Resting and Well-being (1914-1975). Pamplona, 27-29 April 2022

13th International Congress, Universidad de Navarra School of Architecture

There is no doubt that the first steps in the technical and spatial definition of the modern movement were taken in the field of industry; and that the great development of modern aesthetics took place when the achievements made by industry were applied to the resolution of the great social problem, such as the widespread construction of decent housing for all; that it constituted the great social challenge, the urgency of which was accentuated by the two world wars, making it urgent and requiring a great commitment on the part of architects; but alongside this there was another field of architecture which, if, in general, it did not give rise to such relevant technical or aesthetic contributions, was decisive in establishing the new vital conditions of modern societies; and it has also generated exemplary buildings.

In the last hundred years, medical progress and studies on hygiene and health have established new hospital requirements that architecture, like no other discipline, has been able to satisfy, combining the technical with the aesthetic, the comfortable and the friendly with the practical, to achieve spatial environments that not only allow attempts at healing, but often favor healing with aesthetic and landscape contributions that combine asepsis and attention to medical requirements with the healing and palliative qualities of a psychologically favorable environment. Because beauty also heals.

The conference will consider the following topics:

  • Urban health architecture: hospitals, clinics, health centers. 
  • Health landscape architecture: the sanatoriums. 
  • Architecture for rest and care: spas, hot springs, rest colonies, recovery facilities, asylums… 

More information can be found here or on the conference website.

The deadline for abstracts is 18 May 2021 (max. 400 words). Abstracts (Spanish or English) should be sent to congresoetsaun@unav.es using the template available online. The deadline for paper approval is 15 June, 2021. The deadline for paper reception (max. 4.000 words) is 15 October, 2021. Papers (Spanish or English) should be sent to congresoetsaun@unav.es.

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