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Evelina's Sky Ward (PICU and Cardiac) caters for some of the most vulnerable children in the hospital – those in intensive care, and recovering after heart surgery.
Using Andy Goodman’s drawings, we collaborated with doctors and the play team to develop new innovations at the intersection of art, play, lighting, and physical interactions.
In shared spaces we integrated three-square-metre lightworks, made from Corian. These glow gently, cycling through a range of colours, acting as a comforting presence in times of distress, and aiding sleep patterns and recovery.
As the day begins, the lightworks bathe the local area in ambient blues. As the afternoon progresses into the evening, blues give way to magentas, and eventually to deep blue-blacks, along with a pale yellow moon.
These hues and transitions help to promote melatonin and recalibrate patients’ sleep cycles (diurnal rhythms), which will boost wellbeing and recovery times.
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The playroom features wall artwork and bespoke furniture with cosy alcoves – allowing families to spend time relaxing and feeling at home during their visits.
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“This was a hugely challenging art brief, with multiple needs and ranges of complex medical considerations. The end results are stunning, and are helping to bring better sleep, inspire playful interactions with doctors, bring personalisation at bedbays and much more. Young people and families love it, and they are telling us so.”
Liz O’Sullivan, Arts Manager, GSTT NHS FT
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We know how institutional hospitals can be for patients, so we always aim to design for personalisation.
A ceiling runner system was developed to allow the play team to decorate the ward, solving infection control issues, and creating new opportunities for indoor displays and celebration of patient creativity.
We used a magnetised material for many of the artworks, which allows children, families and the clinical team to personalise their space with cards, photos and drawings.
"The art is not just something to look at, but has functions that are fundamental to the ward environment, from providing light and ambience, encouraging mobility, providing stimulation or encouragement when needed and supporting parents in a time of difficulty. Art in Site [...] have managed to integrate the art into the very essence of the ward and as such they are supporting and enhancing the clinical pathway.”
Aaron Bell, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Evelina London Children’s Hospital
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For procedures that take place in the dark, we integrated a series of large-scale fluorescent mazes to provide distraction during echocardiogram assessments.
This project is the culmination of conversations with patients and clinical teams. Collaborating so closely with the doctors has provided new models of practice to take forward into the future.
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This case study is part of the wider “Evelina 1+” project.
The Evelina 1+ project features 7 departments incorporating art, interior design, playful journeys, storytelling and colour.
See Projects for all Evelina 1+ case studies.
The artwork has been supported by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, which helps create a world-class environment for patients, staff and visitors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Project Information
Date
2019
Sector
Healthcare
Service
Children's: Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac
Client
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust
Artists
Andy Goodman
Charlotte Mann
Team
Martin Jones, Celia Knox, Sam Carvosso
Awards
BBH Awards
2021
Winner
,
Best Interior Design Project
EHD Awards
2021
Highly Commended
,
Interior Design & the Arts
