Geometry at the Hospital Sant Pau

One of my favourite building complexes in the whole world is that of the original Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona. It sits alongside its more modern successor, a centre of excellence for modern medicine. In its day, when it was first built in the early years of the twentieth century, before the days of the kind of universal health services we now take for granted, it was a wonder. It cared for all comers, and recognised that part of any treatment was access to beautiful spaces, to fresh air and access to nature. And it shows.

I’ve written about it here, and here. So let’s just look at some of its wonders as part of GeometricJanuary.

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Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

30 thoughts on “Geometry at the Hospital Sant Pau”

  3. You just could not fail to get better in a location such as this. I fell in love with this site.

    “… part of any treatment was access to beautiful spaces, to fresh air and access to nature.”

    If only our hospitals followed that philosophy: having spent far too much time visiting hospitals in the last few years it is grim to see the reality of concrete, paving and parking surrounding them. I know some places (especially hospices) benefit from Chelsea gardens being transported, but the run of the mill hospitals are sadly wanting when it comes to beautiful spaces.

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    1. Oh, you’re so right. Most hospitals have the odd patio-type garden, but they’re sad and unloved places. Last time Malcolm was in hospital, he was lucky enough to look out on the trees and green space of The Stray, and it made such a difference.

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