Introduction : The role of architecture in medical practice -- Ancient world: borrowed practices and forms -- Early middle ages: isolation of the sick -- Middle ages: burgeoning hospital care -- Renaissance: the opening of scientific medical practice -- Age of revolution: the growth of rational design : Focus on facilities: Mental health architecture -- Victorian era: the convergence of medicine and architecture : Focus on design: The pavilion plan ; Focus on facilities: Mental health architecture ; Focus on facilities: spa hospitals -- Early modern period: advances in medicine -- Mid-20th century: increased design rigor -- Late 20th century: new medical and architectural specialties -- The 21st century: continuing evolution