[Former] Asylums

This chapter provides an overview of the development of asylums in Western Europe, starting from their establishment in the early 19th century and continuing until their decline in the latter half of the 20th century. It explores the emergence and transformation of asylums in correlation with the advancements, changes, revolutions and shifts in medical and socio-cultural approaches to mental illness throughout history. Emphasis is placed on how these developments were manifested in the physical structures of psychiatric institutions. The chapter draws on a range of scholarly studies in fields such as medical history, geography, architectural history and cultural sociology. While the primary objective is not to present a comprehensive historical account of asylum development in Europe, the aim of this chapter is to illuminate the profound complexity of asylum heritage and its potential to challenge outdated stereotypes, fostering new and progressive perspectives on mental health in contemporary society.