Architectural Evolution in Psychiatry: A Century of Transformation at Endegeest
Reflecting on the interplay between psychiatric care changes and architectural innovation
R.A. Fillié (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
R.V.M. Peeters – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
This thesis explores the dynamic relationship between psychiatry’s evolution and architectural responses over a span of more than 100 years, with a focus on Endegeest Estate. Initially following a trend of pavilion-style architecture, psychiatric care at Endegeest remained stable, with a primary focus on patient tranquility and limited therapeutic advancements. Post-war advancements in treatment, stimulated by societal shifts and criticism from the anti-psychiatry movement, led to architectural changes with a focus on a sociotherapeutic living environment. These buildings did not last as long, as care was still changing rapidly, resulting in new architecture with a focus on individual living spaces. The 21st century witnessed increased architectural variation in psychiatric hospitals, moving away from rigid guidelines. Notably, experimentation with architecture played a pivotal role in addressing evolving care needs, such as the reduction of seclusion cells, highlighting the interconnectedness of architectural design and healthcare advancements.