The ‘Metropolitan’ section of this issue focuses on the relationship between hospitals and the city. Daniela Arnaut, an architect, university professor and researcher of ‘healthcare buildings’ and ‘healing spaces’, reveals a history that is often invisible because it is right in front of our eyes. As the pandemic rages, this essay encourages us to reflect on issues such as environmental hygiene, and asks whether we are witnessing a re-ordering of the urban space.