Abstract

Our work analyses the way attention is given during birth to both mother and baby, as well as how pregnant and birthing women behave and relate to physical spaces. We also look at different theories and cultural approaches in relation to birth and its environment. Across Europe, birth rooms at maternity wards are still too often conceived as a reflection of our society: submissive spaces in a patriarchal system. Our aim is that neither feminist theories nor gender issues are excluded at maternity wards; rather, we would like them to pass through the entrance doors and become more prominent in providing a supportive setting.

Based on theories and through auditing indicators in realised projects, our proposal presents practical examples and solutions that reflect how applied evidenced-based design can reduce not only unnecessary but also harmful and expensive interventions in maternity wards. All result from a long-term learning process and teamwork with midwives, management directors, and other professionals related to maternity wards.

We would like to invite everybody to reflect on established design codes or guidelines we often forget to question when starting a design process. By dissecting those established codes, we can then approach a new understanding of how birth spaces can really support physiological needs during birthing and contribute to improved quality and health. Rediscovering the value of space will lead us to understand architecture as a driving force of change for hospital processes.