An enlightened age: Building the naval hospitals

This observation can be transferred to naval hospital design, where architecture was combined to fulfil a twofold purpose. The high walls, sturdy massing and pared-down details intimated a strict economy of means, but also a strong sense of gravitas and authority. This visual authoritarian character was fundamental to the identity of a naval hospital, for whilst the prime intention was to provide efficient medical care, an equally important consideration was to maintain discipline and prevent sailors from escaping.