Child Health Entrance
Transforming the entrance of a Child Health Unit into an interactive, child-friendly play space — creating a welcoming and engaging experience for young patients and their families.
| Sector | Healthcare (Paediatrics) |
|---|---|
| Cost | Circa £125K |
| Role | Concept Design, Project Management, Stakeholder Coordination |
the brief
Create an interactive, playful entrance space for children and siblings at a busy Child Health Unit — providing a welcoming, engaging, and therapeutic environment.
what studio mode did
This project was brought to life through The King’s Fund’s highly regarded Enhancing the Healing Environmentprogramme. Studio Mode was appointed to work with the nurse-led hospital team to develop the brief and produce a concept design—heavily shaped by a wide-reaching consultation exercise with local children.
We prepared and delivered several presentations to The King’s Fund to secure funding, then developed GA plans, sections, and elevations. We project managed the detailed design phase, coordinating a number of specialist suppliers of sound and lighting equipment. A key part of our design was to place child-friendly switches for sound and lighting right at the heart of the space—giving little fingers the chance to twiddle and explore.
We advised on contractor appointment and oversaw the scheme through its on-site phase. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the Child Health Department, estates teams, infection control, and other stakeholders. The works were completed on site in just 8 weeks. Following handover, Studio Mode was invited to present the story of the project at its official opening—led by a well-known TV Children’s Presenter.
The scheme has been widely praised by the hospital team and has received acclaim from visiting children’s specialists. But most importantly—it’s often full of young children, and their enjoyment is clear to see.
“By using a little money very creatively you have made a massive difference to the experience of many many people, children and parents alike, for a long time to come.”
any tricky bits?
Plenty. The technical coordination needed to integrate the various sound and lighting systems was complex in itself. On top of that, the installation of the new floor temporarily cut off the Children’s Wing from the main hospital—posing a challenge for patient access to diagnostics and theatres. Much of this work had to be carried out in the early hours to avoid disruption, requiring tight coordination between ourselves, the contractor, the Child Health team, and the Emergency Department (some six floors apart).