Space design quality and its importance to sustainable construction: the case of hospital buildings

The hospital project, more than any other, requires a number of concerns related with the satisfaction and well being of working teams, patient, administration and other officials. In this context it is possible to say that the healthcare spaces design are fundamental for the best work, functionality, results and to improve the best practices for a sustainable building. The volume and organization of these spaces are very important and can be decisive in environmental, economic and social development of the whole building. Therefore this study is focused in the space design quality and how its organization, flexibility and adaptability can be fundamental for the well being of people and for the best results in the sustainability of construction and will highlight how building sustainability assessment tools consider and evaluate these aspects. It is fundamental to propose the best way to promote the investment in the hospital design space to support the design team in the adoption if space solutions that contribute to the sustainability of these buildings.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Reference SFRH/BD/77959/2