The Specifics and Forms of Art in Contemporary Healthcare Facilities—European Trends

The development of scientific research related to the impact of the built environment on people in recent decades has changed the way healthcare facilities are designed in the 21st century. The ideal approach is characterized by research-based design and the creation of a therapeutic environment. An integral component of the hospital environment is art, the positive impact of which on hospital users has been proven by many scientific studies. The purpose of this research was to determine the specifics and forms of art in contemporary hospitals. The qualitative study included 91 hospitals in 18 European countries. Based on scientific literature, acquired data on the surveyed facilities, and study visits to 20 hospitals, 12 forms of art were identified. In addition to traditional art forms, art reflecting the achievements of 21st-century science and technology can often be seen in contemporary hospitals. The best example is interactive graphics using digital techniques and tools. This is art whose base is created by the artist, but at the same time, it is a form that responds to the environment and movement, engaging the viewer to interact.