Theoretical and Practical Implications of Sustainable Modern Approach to Hospital Design: Focus on Nigeria

The adoption of sustainable hospital design remains largely embryonic in the developing nations, including Nigeria. Public hospitals continue to reflect outdated design paradigms that ignore environmental and human-centred considerations, leading to inefficient energy use, poor ventilation, and compromised patient privacy. This issue is compounded by rapid urbanisation, increasing patient loads, and infrastructural decay, which collectively strain healthcare delivery. While global discourse advocates for climate-resilient and adaptable hospital environments, the Nigerian reality still contends with the dual pressures of limited funding and inadequate design regulation. The problem, therefore, lies in the insufficient integration of sustainability principles into hospital design practice, despite mounting evidence of their theoretical and practical benefits. Addressing this gap is critical not only for improving operational efficiency but also for enhancing patient outcomes and environmental responsibility. Investigating the theoretical and practical implications of sustainable modern approaches to hospital design thus becomes imperative. A structured literature review was adopted as the methodological approach for this study. It allows for a systematic, transparent, and replicable process for identifying, evaluating, and synthesising existing research evidence on sustainable hospital design and operations. Relevant studies were assessed based on their quality and insights drawn to reveal emerging patterns, research gaps, and directions for application in the design of a model sustainable hospital design. It detailed theoretical and practical considerations to inform real-world architectural practice, balancing ecological, economic, and human health objectives within the evolving healthcare landscape.