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And Walking With Ghosts On Health And Architecture Wellcome Collection

Yukio Mishima

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Published in Living With Buildings: And Walking With Ghosts On Health And Architecture (Wellcome Collection)

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In her new book, And Walking With Ghosts, architectural historian Meredith B. Linn explores the ways in which architecture can shape our understanding of health and illness.

Living with Buildings: And Walking with Ghosts – On Health and Architecture (Wellcome Collection)

by Roy Hinnen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6232 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	209 pages

Linn draws on a wide range of examples, from the ancient Greek temples dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, to the modern-day hospitals that are designed to promote patient well-being.

She argues that architecture can be a powerful force for good, but it can also be a source of harm. For example, the design of hospitals can contribute to the spread of infection, and the design of cities can make it difficult for people to live healthy lives.

Linn's book is a fascinating exploration of the complex relationship between architecture and health. It is a timely and important work that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of medicine, architecture, or public health.

The Healing Power of Architecture

Architecture has the power to heal. This is a fact that has been known for centuries. In ancient Greece, temples were built to Asclepius, the god of healing. These temples were designed to be places of peace and tranquility, where people could come to seek relief from their illnesses.

In the modern world, hospitals are designed to promote patient well-being. These hospitals are often filled with natural light, fresh air, and calming colors. They are also designed to be easy to navigate, so that patients can easily find their way around.

There is a growing body of evidence that shows that architecture can have a positive impact on health. For example, studies have shown that patients who are treated in hospitals with natural light recover more quickly than those who are treated in hospitals with artificial light.

Architecture can also be used to prevent illness. For example, the design of cities can make it easier for people to walk and bike, which can help to reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease.

The Harmful Effects of Architecture

While architecture can be a powerful force for good, it can also be a source of harm. For example, the design of hospitals can contribute to the spread of infection. This is because hospitals are often filled with sick people, and the design of the hospital can make it difficult to contain the spread of germs.

The design of cities can also make it difficult for people to live healthy lives. For example, cities that are designed for cars can make it difficult for people to walk and bike. This can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity and heart disease.

Architecture is a powerful force that can shape our health and well-being. It is important to be aware of the both the positive and negative effects of architecture, so that we can make informed decisions about the design of our built environment.

And Walking With Ghosts is a fascinating exploration of the complex relationship between architecture and health. It is a timely and important work that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of medicine, architecture, or public health.

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