Hospital buildings have always been privileged witnesses of both architectural as well as medical history. They are the incarnations of a European historical network spreading both ideas and innovations, which saw architectural models moving from one country to another. The hospital building heritage, which is sometimes of very high quality, has been neglected and insufficiently protected.
 
Today, everywhere in Europe, hospitals are undergoing a structural crisis because of their physical characteristics: the unsuitability of the oldest buildings to medical and medico-technical activities, the aging and progressive obsolescence of built-up facilities and components.
Thus, hospitals must adapt themselves to today's new working methods.
 

Therein arises the question of the use of a heritage that no longer fulfils its functions: internal redevelopment, restructuring, decommissioning, reorganizing or demolition? This reflection must take into account several issues - strategic and economic, but also social, cultural and scientific.
Which hospitals should be conserved and to fulfil what functions, which are the ones that could be demolished?

Objectives:

  • To learn about the European hospital heritage, and undertake a survey
  • To understand the medicine/architecture osmosis, articulation and relationship
  • To compare European heritages - similarities and differences
  • To share experiences and know-how at the European level
  • To analyze specific issues as well as those common to Europe, in order to transform, adapt, enhance and preserve this part of our cultural heritage
  • To help as many people as possible to learn about this forgotten chapter of our culture
  • To create awareness amongst the public and decision-makers about contemporary issues concerning the future of this heritage.

Activities: