Figure 1-1Painting Depicting hospital conditions in the Middle ages Figure 1-2 Restorative garden at the Essa Flory Hospice Centre, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, allows for respite

1 INTRODUCTION

People in charge of healthcare in Ancient Greece, until the fifth century BC, gave due importance to outdoor activity and exposure to Sun and air as tools of mental and physical recovery. (Thompson & Goldin, 1975) As land became more and more scarce and healthcare grew into an industry which relied on modern machinery and technology, the hospitals became imposing institutional buildings which emphasized on facades and holding capacities. While the spiritual of Sunlight was recognized its role in hygiene was unknown up until 19th century. Similarly, natural ventilation was also treated as a contaminant in the strictly controlled environments of hospital wards. Gardens, trees and courtyards also became dispensable as demand for healthcare capacity boomed and healthcare was redefined as a money-making venture as opposed to a State Service. As hospitals came to be defined as confines sanitary spaces, the wealthy and the terminally ill tended to avoid the hospital treatments. (Verderber & Refuerzo, 2006, pp. 30-31)

Figure 1-1Painting Depicting hospital conditions in the Middle ages

As this occurred, and housing of medical infrastructure was equally important, the hospice Movement gained momentum Worldwide. These advocates pressed for a homely