Going to a hospital is never a fun task, especially for a child. I don’t know if it is because of the movies, books, or just listening to other people’s experiences, but a child’s fear of the hospital is usually inconsolable. And let’s be honest, who likes a hospital at any age? A movement in a children’s hospital in London is trying to help get rid of these fears. Vital Arts, a British arts organization in charge of introducing art to Britain’s hospitals, had 15 artists collaborate to turn the interior of London Royal Children’s Hospital into a fun and colorful place, or at least as fun and colorful as a hospital can be.
This is the Trauma and Gastroenterology area designed by Morag Myerscough.
According to Myerscough, “The piece has a huge amount of references that had been embedded in my memory for many years and came out all together at one time…”
“… So there are elements of circus, organic, art deco, Asian culture, Victorian architecture, and the list goes on so a real mash-up that came out of my head onto paper and then onto the walls.”
His purpose behind this piece was to bring some color and life to the young patients.
Here is the Hematology Ward designed by artist Donna Wilson.
According to Donna, “One of the most important things for me was to make the hospital not feel like a hospital. “
She wanted the patients to feel relaxed and comfortable in their environment.
This is the Pediatric Assessment and Short Stay Unit created by Chris Haughton
To make things more fun, rather than numbering the rooms, he gave each one a different character like a bird, bear, cat, etc.
Vinyl is used to create these life-size animals that appear all over the corridor.
This is the Respiratory Unit created by the talented Miller Goodman.
According to Miller, “Wood is a traditional warm medium that soulfully ages softening with play. It is traditional and always evokes childhood memories of play…”
“….We hope that the mix of bright vinyl colors and wooden characters encourages and entertains the child as well as wishes them a speedy recovery.”
Even the halls are decorated in bright and welcoming colors. This has to be comforting for kids and parents alike.
These are the elevator lobbies in the hospital designed by Katharine Morling. They feature dinosaurs, train tracks, and more.
She spent six weeks on children’s wards at various hospitals working with patients to create sketchbooks of treasured toys. Morling then used these sketchbooks to develop porcelain sculptures for decor in the hospital
These curtains are done by an artist named Duran. He stated, “A seminal moment for me was when a three-year-old girl stopped crying the moment she saw the curtains, pointing excitedly to the hidden cats and rabbits. That’s when I knew my design had worked.”
It is so amazing that a hospital took the time to realize what would be calming to children, and went with it.
This is the Pediatric Critical Care Center designed by Tord Boontje.
The colors and elements used here are to show vibrant color and life.
This is the fun and colorful activity space.
More info: Vital Arts
I think it is safe to say the visitors and patients of this hospital can enjoy their surroundings much more. It takes away from that normal hospital feel and brings life and happiness to such a hated place.