Definition of essential environmental elements for the humanization of hospital

Abstract In architecture, humanising means offering better spaces to users, with environmental stimuli that enhance wellbeing. Public healthcare facilities rarely offer spaces for patients to move around in, in addition to the inpatient room. This study seeks to investigate what are the essential environmental elements for the humanisation of these spaces through a literature review and a case study in a public hospital. Thus, a literature review was carried out to list possible elements capable of generating greater comfort and physical and psychological wellbeing to users, where aspects related to environmental psychology were addressed to better understand users' behaviour. This investigative research was carried out through a case study, with the support of several quali / quantitative methods, such as: exploratory visit, inquiry, observation of behaviour and analysis of physical traits - essential to assist in the determination of the priority atributes. The methods were applied in order to assess the environment and identify users and their activities. The study concludes that the environmental elements considered essential are mostly those inherent to architecture itself. When designing healthcare environments, whose users are frail, one must take into account their desires and needs in order to ensure a satisfactory stay.