art and environment - design team

Making the building a work of art

“Patients find the atmosphere soothing and relaxing - an ideal setting for people who have suffered physical and emotional stress and pain...”

Stephanie, Physiotherapy Dept

The Lead Artist’s proposal responded to both the client’s vision for the design of the new hospital to be a healing force itself and to the architect’s response to that vision, evident in the form, flow and illumination within the built environment.

Drawing upon her extensive experience in this field, inspired by the sources and processes of homoeopathy, and following in-depth consultation with the architects, artists and carers, Jane Kelly defined a restricted colour and materials palette of white, ochre, lavender and terracotta for use on walls, floors, furniture and details, using natural and organic materials whenever possible. Her proposal also set out to identify opportunities for the role of artworks that would reinforce the building’s healing philosophy.

The chosen colours along with their dilutions supported the healing atmosphere created by Macmon’s award-winning architectural design. By using the weakest dilutions of colour on the largest surfaces of walls and floors, a light and airy interior was enhanced. This was embellished at key points by concentrations of stronger hues on smaller surfaces – the soft hint of lavender in the linoleum, the mid lavender on the exterior render seen and the deep violet leather coverings to chairs and sofas.

In journeys around the building, colour palette tints and shades echo repeatedly, creating a sense of continuity and harmony. Across the white grey walls, a subtle range of reflected colour and shadow change slowly as day progresses into night. These are orchestrated by the changing natural light, both direct and reflected, and the use of complementary electric light from specially chosen lamps and fittings. All these design elements combine to create a soothing feeling of calm and refuge.