The Circulation System of Buildings: A Key Determinant of Social Behaviour and the Quality of Social and Healthcare for People with Cognitive Impairments
The Circulation System of Buildings: A Key Determinant of Social Behaviour and the Quality of Social and Healthcare for People with Cognitive Impairments

Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on the impacts of the built environment of healthcare and social care facilities on people with cognitive impairments. It emphasizes that the building’s circulation system has the most significant influence on the quality of care provided and social behaviour. A variety of circulation systems and the reasons supporting their design are examined through examples, including Robert Hooke’s redesign of Bethlem Hospital, Thomas Story Kirkbride’s linear circulation system, Jeremy Bentham’s radial circulation system, and others. The article provides a historical overview of the typology of purpose-built social and healthcare facilities for people with disabilities and describes the process of deinstitutionalization as healthcare providers turned towards community- based services for people with mental illness and cognitive impairments. In conclusion, the article outlines a vision of possible solutions that take into account the current economic and technological requirements of care facilities.

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