Architects and knowledge transfer in hospital systems: The introduction of Western hospital designs in Japan (1918–1970)
研究1918-1970年间日本医院设计演变，揭示建筑师在引入西方功能模型并适应本土需求中的关键作用，对理解医疗技术转移和医院规划有参考价值。
This article addresses hospitals as medical technology in itself and discusses the evolution of hospital design. As a case study, it focuses on Japan from 1918 to 1970. Hospital systems in this country experienced a major shift between the prewar and postwar periods. While the prewar period was characterised by the domination of numerous private small hospitals in urban areas, the postwar reconstruction was based on the extension of large public hospitals. This article demonstrates the major roles that architects played in introducing hospital designs in Japan and adapting the Western functional model for use in the country.