ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the context with respect to health conditions in homes, the healthcare system and the historical role of medical science in the built environment. Health is not just about the treatment of physical ill-health but also relates to mental and social wellbeing. P. Vitruvius goes on to describe, in the context of health, how to orient spaces and design homes in order to create the most favourable conditions. In the 19th century the history of healthy homes reveals an interesting tension between the role of the architect and the medic. By the 20th century, the understanding of design strategies to improve health and wellbeing became established and adopted in architectural design and planning. The healthcare system is facing enormous challenges, and anything that can be done to prevent ill health, help the infirm and support recovery through the design of homes will contribute to improving the situation.
