Women's Representation in the Production of Healthcare Spaces: An Analyses of Selected Cases from the 20th Century to the Present

The profession of architecture has historically been structured as a male-dominated field, with women's visibility and contributions in this field being ignored or considered secondary for many years. However, architecture is not merely a field of technical knowledge and skills; it is also an area of production intertwined with social, cultural, and societal contexts. In this context, the impact of female architects on architectural history, theoretical discussions, and especially on structures requiring social sensitivity is increasingly becoming a subject of research. Making the contributions of female architects in architectural production visible is essential not only for achieving gender equality but also for understanding the qualitative transformation of architectural practice. Hospitals are not only places where health services are provided, but also complex spaces that incorporate environmental factors that play a crucial role in the healing process of individuals. Architecture is at the forefront of these ecological factors, and the design process can influence people's physical and psychological recovery. Therefore, hospital design is one of the most complex and meticulous areas of architecture in terms of functionality, user-centeredness, and the integration of contemporary technologies. In this context, this study analyzes the contributions of female architects to healthcare spaces through their selected designs.