A Space of Their Own Chapter Five The 'Ideal' Lunatic Asylum (original) (raw)

The chapter examines the evolution of design concepts for lunatic asylums in the 19th century, emphasizing the integration of moral therapy principles into asylum architecture. It explores how various thinkers contributed to the definition of an 'ideal' asylum model, focusing on classification, observation, and the social management of patients. The text highlights specific designs, such as E. Toller's cottage system, which sought to improve patient care through smaller group environments and better engagement, ultimately arguing that the built environment played a crucial role in the treatment and management of the mentally ill.