Morpho-typological relationships between architecture and pandemics: The cases of plague and TBC

Abstract

The present paper seeks to wonder about the correlation between the spread of some epidemics and the resulting development of architectural response designed to contain such events. Pandemic phenomena appear, as well as a healthcare problem, as a social plague too, causing the need to give an effective response that involves the entire collective. The reflexion proposed uses a morpho-typological research method, which aims to study the most popular building types specific for the treatment of epidemic phenomena. Through the reconnaissance of some healthcare complexes, the study of the building typology and by the recognition of the recurring features, it is possible to trace the types that more frequently resulted appropriate to face pandemic situations. This is the case of lazaretto which takes place quite late regarding the spread of the Black Plague. This building type became the quarantine place, defining an introvert space which tends to eliminate any connection with the town. In fact, in most cases, the complexes were located outside the city, along the access roads. Another pandemic event that has characterized the history of humankind is tuberculosis. Patients needs to be continually exposed to fresh and healthy air and sunlight, caused the birth of a specialized building typology: the sanatorium. This typology is characterized by a serial configuration of the rooms dedicated to the hospitalization along an internal circulation route, whereas rooms dedicated to services, medical services and general services, are located in specialized rooms. The purpose of this paper is to define the correlation between architecture and health by analyzing historical phenomena that lead to the codification of the analyzed building types. This reflection aims to test the effectiveness of the typological development processes regarding the combating of epidemics, by verifying if they can actually be a solution also considering the current knowledge in the healthcare field.