The article discusses the relationship between the objects and the physical environments devoted to research and health promotion. It analyzes the physical environment of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz) research laboratories in light of such health promotion principles as expanding the concept of health, participation by the players in the decision making process regarding health areas and the involvement of different disciplines in the planning of these environments. It finds a close relationship between design, architecture and health promotion throughout the history of Fiocruz and presents interviews obtained in the workshop denominated Space, Creation and Happiness, an instrument for sensitization, participation and listening utilized by users of the laboratory environments, developed and perfected in the IOC/Fiocruz.
objects; physical environments; design; health promotion; education
