Research into Art Intervention in Hospital Environments

Morag Myerscough - Hospital Piece

British Designer brightens the wards of Sheffield Children’s Hospital by having to meet strict clinical regulations – as always when it comes to the NHS Managers/ directors –

She bought bright colours and harlequin print to the ward.

Myerscough was invited by Artfelt – the children’s Hospital Charity’s arts programme, to design new interiors for the wards. Designing 46 en-suite bedrooms and six multi-occupancy suites – the objective was to make the rooms feel more comfortable and domestic.

Although it has all come together and looks perfect for the objective it was a difficult design process to achieve.

For example- some of the rooms have paler colour schemes to suit children with autism or others who have intolerance to bright patterns but also wanted to consider the older children and ensuring it is appropriate for them too. Therefore they could not be childish for this reason, as well as acknowledging that parents would be happy to spend time – making a bedroom that was positive and you would enjoy being there.

Requirements of the hospital environment that needed be taken into account when designing the concept was everything needed to be sterile and easy to clean– therefore had to work with plastic laminate.

Painting directly onto wooden panels (Formica) was not an option and nor was screen-printing additional colours onto the papers of the design.

The focus point of this design was not only the colours and patterns – another defining feature of the space is the relative lack of medical equipment –so a lot of the cables and devices are stored behind the wooden panels- giving the space a more home like feeling. Helping children to feel at ease and more comfortable- therefore less likely to be afraid of the environment.