1 Int. J. Architect. Eng. Urban Plan, 27(1): 1-8, June 2017 DOI: 10.22068/ijaup.27.1.8 Research Paper The role of architecture in establishing social supports affecting mothers mental health after childbirth recovery process in the maternity wards of Tehran’s general hospitals M. Khakzand 1,* , F. Atighehchi 2 , S. P. Yasini 3 1 Assistant Professor, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran 2 Master of Architecture, University of Science and arts, Yazd, Iran 3 Master of Conservation and Revitalization of Historical Buildings and Urban Textures, Central Tehran Branch - Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Received: 14 September 2015, Revised: 22 April 2017, Accepted: 1 May 2017, Available online: 30 June 2017 Abstract In today’s mechanized world, the need for a patient-friendly attitude in the hospitals and its psychological effects on the recovery time of patients has been proven. Considering the special pre and post-partum conditions of a pregnant woman, together with the fact that the mother and child cannot be treated as a patient case, makes these psychological effects more critical in this research, the mental state of pregnant women in association with the social support they receive, and its role on their stay and recovery, was considered. In this research we investigated the role of maternity ward architectural design on the quality of mothers social interactions. To achieve this, a survey has been conducted on the affect of maternity ward architectural design on the mothers social interactions with visitors, medical board, and other patients in maternity units of Tehran’s General Hospitals. It was found that the establishment of social communications with visitors, hospital staff, and other patients had significantly positive psychological effects on patients. Not only the mental health status of patients was improved, also their recovery time was reduced. This was concluded that the design of healthcare centers should provide maternity unit’s patients effective communication opportunities by providing an appropriate space for patients companies, family members, and visitors. Keywords: Social factor, Maternity ward, Hospitals effective communication, Architecture. 1. INTRODUCTION Researches throughout the last decade indicates that there is a low level of satisfaction in regards to postnatal care compare to any other parts of the maternity care [1- 4]. Providing an opportunity for the caregivers and patients to spend more time together in an environment that offers privacy and confidentiality (structuring care around individual needs), is an essential requirement for the healthcare professionals. This will enhance the possibility of early diagnosis of developing post-partum health problems in patients [5]. To improve the condition of the care facilities and treatment process considering standards and laws in design, essential human factors such as culture, habits, needs, and communication must be measured. * Corresponding author: mkhakzand@iust.ac.ir Tell: +989123976054; Fax: +982177240468 Design is seen as complementary to the healing effects of drugs, policies, and technology [6]. It is therefore important to identify factors in the physical environment and, through design and architecture, create meeting points that can promote spontaneous social interaction and social support [7]. Yelland et al. realized that the reliance of detecting and managing women with particular psychosocial issues during pregnancy results in this aspect of care being given less priority postnatally than may be ideal [5]. The maternity units are fundamentally the most complicated units in their environmental and care conditions compare to other units within a hospital. Since pregnant women are not considered sick, they move around and communicate with other people. Therefore, in designing spaces compatible with the identity, habits, and the culture of each country, appropriate accommodations for developing communication among the patients, clients, and the visitors must be taken into consideration. In doing so, a higher level of relaxation and a shorter recovery time is expected. Since Iranian women prefer being hospitalized