A recent renovation of London Children's Hospital combines multiple art styles and mediums to create a whimsical patchwork of kid-friendly designs. Young patients feel at home among the vibrant colors and exaggerated patterns that now decorate each ward, lobby and elevator. The three-year-old hospital commissioned more than 10 artists and designers to participate in the project.
The walls of the lobby feature carnival-like signs and stenciled designs that evoke a fun circus environment. This introductory art display is well placed at the entrance because it makes children feel like they're entering a place that genuinely cares about them having positive, upbeat experiences.
The haematology ward takes on a soothing tone with simple blue-and-green murals and cutouts of trees. If patients can't romp and play outside, perhaps walking down these nature-inspired halls is the next best thing. Even the elevators display drawings, paintings and ceramic sculptures that all help to keep young patients' spirits high.
“One of the most important things for me was to make the hospital not feel like a hospital,” says Donna Wilson, one of the commissioned artists. “I wanted the patients, parents and nurses all to feel relaxed, happy and stimulated by the environment that surrounds them, and by using design, you can lift the mood and well-being of the people there.”
Vital Arts website
via [Demilked, designboom]
