Artwork (Outpatients)
Transforming a plain hospital corridor and family waiting area into a vibrant, uplifting environment through a series of bespoke coastal-themed artworks.
| Sector | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Role | Arts co-ordinator |
the brief
Enhance a long, clinical corridor and a family waiting area with colourful, engaging artwork that appeals to both children and adults.
what studio mode did
We were appointed as arts co-ordinator to lead the project from inception through to completion. The brief had two aims: first, to commission artwork that would bring life and colour to a long, clinical corridor; and second, to create a visually engaging environment for a nearby family waiting area, often used by children visiting siblings on the adjacent children’s cardiac ward.
To establish a visual connection between the two spaces, we commissioned a pair of local artists who had previously created 2D and 3D painted works for the children’s ward. We invited them to develop a proposal that would carry their playful style into these new areas while appealing to both children and adults. The agreed theme was a series of coastal scenes.
The artists’ concept placed a lively harbour scene with brightly coloured sailboats in the family waiting area, and a collection of 6ft paintings depicting seascapes, yachts, lighthouses and seabirds in more muted tones for the corridor. Once the sketches were approved, we worked with the Infection Prevention Team, Fire Officer, Health and Safety Officer and Cleaning Team to review and approve the materials for clinical suitability. We then project managed the fabrication, quality checked the completed artworks, and oversaw the final installation on site.
The artwork has transformed a long, nondescript corridor into something colourful and uplifting, while the family waiting area now features a vibrant and engaging focal point. It's not just decorative—it's interactive too… “Can you count the sailboats?”
“There is absolutely no doubt that artwork is an essential part of healthcare design, we are so pleased with the transformation since the new art arrived.”
any tricky bits?
Nothing major. A clear project plan, regular communication with stakeholders, and a firm grip on the budget meant everything ran smoothly from start to finish.