How spaces heal: Make the change from the architecture of prophylaxis to well-being

Our latest Chit-Chat Live was all about our working spaces and waiting rooms. Architect Pierre Escobar took us on a journey of fascinating insights – from pre-Renaissance hospitals controlled by churches, designed for surveillance, to today's clinical spaces that challenge our thinking about practice design.

For centuries, medical architecture was built on control, rather than comfort. The blueprint for early hospitals was the Panopticon prison system – one central observation point, patients constantly monitored, creating "self-discipline through potential observation."

Everything changed with the concept of "architecture as prophylaxis," which brought buildings designed to prevent disease. While natural light, ventilation, and washable surfaces became essential, we also lost the human-first touch. Post-WWII hospitals could be airports. The same companies design both.

What works today? 6 practical tips on building healing spaces

How to make the softness of human well-being a part of our clinics? Pierre is currently working on a 150 m² practice at Berlin's Savignyplatz, and his approach is brilliant: invest 60% of your budget in 30% of the space – specifically in waiting areas and lobbies.

Why? Because patients form their first impression before you've even said hello. Here are 6 tips that Pierre shared with the Curiosity network.