[The changes in architecture and structure of the European hospital in 20th century]

From the development of architecture over more than a century we can infer the development of society. Especially in the construction of hospitals reflects social history that is determined by the progress of medical knowledge and techniques. This progress calls for reconsidering and changing conceptions of the construction of hospitals. This paper gives a representative overview of impacts on hospital construction and presents significant, path-breaking projects of the respective time. First it describes the basic principles of hospital construction dating from the 19th century, and then it discusses the influences on modern ways between 1900 and 1945.The next chapters are dedicated to the buildings dating from 1970s and 1980s, and to some examples of the years after 2000. Finally an outlook into the future is given.