Artwork (Cardiac Unit)
A vibrant collection of original artworks and sculptures, thoughtfully integrated into a £26m Cardiac Centre — enhancing patient experience and supporting wayfinding.
| Sector | Healthcare (Cardiology) |
|---|---|
| Cost | Part of overall £26M project budget |
| Role | Arts Commissioning, Project Management, Design Strategy |
the brief
Commission, design, and install a cohesive collection of original artworks to enhance the new Cardiac Centre — creating a calming, colourful environment that supports patient wellbeing and intuitive wayfinding.
what studio mode did
We were appointed to lead the arts commissioning project from inception through to completion on site. We developed a public art strategy shaped by close consultation with patients, visitors, and staff.
The shared vision was to commission original artworks that would bring colour, interest, and enhancement to the hospital environment—while also supporting intuitive wayfinding throughout the new building.
In the early stages, we worked closely with the building design team and clinical staff to understand how the new space would function. We consulted with department staff and patient user groups to map out typical patient journeys and identify key opportunities for art to support orientation and wellbeing.
Our approach:
- To introduce eye-catching, colourful works in corridors and transient areas to support orientation and wayfinding;
- To incorporate calming and absorbing pieces into wards, scanning suites, and treatment areas;
- And to install large-scale sculpture in the external courtyard as a focal point and social space for patients, staff, and visitors.
A key element of our strategy was the consultation process, which allowed staff, patients, and visitors to have a meaningful say in selecting the style and type of artwork appropriate to each department.
We then commissioned eight professional artists, carefully briefing them to produce a cohesive collection that reflected the strategy. The finished works include intricately hand-painted silk textiles, delicate watercolours, calming land and seascapes, bold acrylic and metal wall sculptures, vibrant floral photographic works, and modern sculpture combining wood and metal.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients have described the artworks as a welcome and uplifting surprise, while staff report that they help brighten the working environment and provide a calming distraction for anxious patients. The result is a diverse, engaging mix of artworks that adds real value to the new centre. We like to say we put the ‘art’ into ‘heart’.
“I think artwork is important wherever you are…..think about your own home. When I went into the hospital I saw flowers, sea, landscape. You can put your own imagination into it.”
any tricky bits?
None. We worked proactively in the early design stages with the building’s architects, infection prevention team, fire officer and safety advisors to identify and design out any risks. This allowed us to develop a robust material specification that fully met the hospital’s strict requirements for durability, cleanability, and safety—ensuring that the finished artworks enhanced the therapeutic environment without compromising clinical standards.