Operating theatre design

Abstract

In the past 300 years, the design of operation rooms and their ancillary spaces has responded to changes in surgical needs and practice. At one time, operations were undertaken on hospital wards, in patients' homes, and in doctors' consulting rooms. But in the 18th century the demonstration and teaching of surgery became important, so dedicated rooms for surgical operations were built. They were designed as theatres with accommodation for spectators—based on the old anatomy theatres—such as the one established at St Thomas' Hospital, London, in 1751.