A Broad Study to Develop Maternity Units Design Knowledge Combining Spatial Analysis and Mothers' and Midwives' Perception of the Birth Environment

Objectives: This article investigates how the physical birth environment is perceived by the users(women and midwives) in different settings, a midwife-led unit and an obstetric-led unit, placed in Italy.Background: In the field of birth architecture research, there is a gap in the description of thespatial and physical characteristics of birth environments that impact users’ health, specifically forwhat concerns the perception by women. Methods: The study focuses on multi-centered mixedmethods design, employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods (questionnaire, spatialanalysis) and covering different disciplines (architecture, environmental psychology, and midwifery).Results: The results revealed significant differences between the two settings and some associationsbetween perceived and spatial data concerning: calm atmosphere, greater intimacy, spacious birthroom, clarity of service points, clarity in finding midwives, sufficient space for labor, noise, privacy, andthe birth room adaptability. Conclusions: The findings confirm the importance of the spatial layoutand indicate documented knowledge as an input to consider when designing birth spaces in order topromote user well-being.