Easing anxiety with art

As part of our research process, we started by interviewing staff who escort children down from the wards to the operating theatre, as well as exploring the importance of graphics as a tool for distraction. Inspired by the Chinese tangram, we developed a concept using tessellating shapes that break away to reveal animals, plants and buildings for children to spot as they move through the hospital spaces. These decorative environmental graphics are also a fun game that can be played by children on the way to their operation. The unique installations connect different spaces to create a visual experience that doubles as ambient wayfinding.

Mobiles and kinetic tangrams

Along with wall graphics, we designed hanging mobiles to make the most of the natural light of the space. The coloured, transparent shapes create patterns of rockets that spiral in and out of sight as patients pass below. This phase of work culminates with a focal light box in the ceiling of each new anaesthetic room. These colourful geometric artworks now line the theatres, corridors and treatment rooms and successfully respond to Artfelt’s brief to brighten hospital walls, creating spaces designed with children in mind, to aid recovery.

Photography: India Hobson