From walls to wonder: Talking about spaces tailored for adolescents and young adults with cancer

Abstract

If, as widely recognized in the scientific community, adolescent and young adult cancer patients are in many ways unique, then the spaces where they receive care should be equally special. The design of hospital environments that cater to the specific needs of young patients is a crucial factor in defining the essential features that care centers should ideally include to provide the best possible support for adolescent and young adult patients. This paper explores the growing importance of hospital design in fostering continuity in patients' lives, balancing both functionality and aesthetics. While healthcare systems face logistical and financial constraints, it is essential to recognize and promote the role of architecture, culture, and the arts as integral components of a holistic approach to care. Beauty in healthcare settings should not be considered a luxury, but rather a fundamental aspect of upholding the right to health.