Evidence of power expressed in architectural projects of the Hospital Santa Catarina (1974-2002)¹

Abstract

Hospital architecture is a disciplinary element that contributes to the categorization, classification and individualization of social actors that share this space. This historical study analyzed the authorship trajectory of the projects, flow of people, things and information, in addition to the disposition, naming and dimensions of the compartments at the Hospital Santa Catarina. We used the academic literature on the matter as well as Michel Foucault’s theoretical framework to interpret the results and understand the power disputes of these social actors. Nursing, one of the groups present in this space throughout the analyzed period, oscillated between increasing and decreasing control over the space. This occurs because their control was assigned privately at times, moved to areas where surveillance and observation were more difficult, or their previously confidential spaces started being shared. This power dispute dynamics affected the quality of care and the working conditions of the evaluated health professionals.

Keywords:
Hospital Architecture; Hospital Legislation; Power; Nursing; History