WeiterWachsen
Conversion and extension of a former sanatorium into a maternity and women’s centre
Master's Thesis | Luisa Vittoria Leetz | 4th Semester | Summer Semester 2026
Spaces shape human experiences; they can provide a sense of security, establish boundaries, or evoke feelings of danger. The very first space a person encounters is of fundamental importance: the space of birth. It influences how we experience our entry into the world and thereby shapes one of the most essential human experiences. Despite this significance, there remains a clear gap in knowledge and research regarding the relationship between birth and space, socially, scientifically, and particularly from an architectural perspective.
With a growing global population, the demand for maternity care continues to rise. More births require more spatial resources and, consequently, more intentional design. At the same time, many healthcare systems are facing spatial and organizational constraints. Against this backdrop, the question arises: what role does the design of birthing environments play in the physical and emotional experience of childbirth, and how can interior architecture contribute to creating supportive, safe, and dignified spaces?
This thesis examines the relationship between birth and space from an interior architectural perspective. It explores how spatial design, atmosphere, and functionality can influence the experience of childbirth, and highlights the potential of consciously designed birthing environments, particularly in times of increasing demand and limited spatial resources.
Master's thesis supervised by professor Monika Joos-Keller
