Old hospitals, especially those built from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, often had sun decks, rooftop terraces, or open verandas because of the then-prevailing belief in the healing power of sunlight and fresh air.
Before antibiotics and advanced medical treatments, sunlight therapy (heliotherapy) was widely believed to help patients recover from a range of illnesses — especially tuberculosis, pneumonia, and skin diseases. Doctors thought that exposure to sunlight could kill germs, strengthen the body, and improve mood. Hospitals often placed beds and reclining chairs on sun decks so patients could rest outdoors daily.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, medical architecture emphasized fresh air circulation to reduce infection and “stale air” — thought to spread disease. Sanatoriums for TB patients were often built in mountains or seaside areas, with wide balconies and open porches. General hospitals copied this design, incorporating open-air wards or roof gardens.
Architects and doctors worked together to design hospitals that were bright, airy, and uplifting — a reaction against the dark, crowded hospitals of earlier times. You’ll see sun decks on hospitals built between the 1900s and the 1940s, often with south-facing terraces for maximum sunlight. This was part of the “pavilion plan” — separating wards to improve airflow and prevent cross-infection.
By the 1950s–60s, antibiotics, air conditioning, and modern infection control made sun decks less necessary. Hospitals moved toward enclosed, climate-controlled designs, prioritizing equipment and efficiency over open-air recovery spaces.
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