I’ve recently had the privilege of working on a very special hospital artwork project: transforming Ward 1 at Kingsway Care Centre in Dundee with bespoke artwork designed to bring the outside in.
My aim was to create a calmer, more welcoming space that feels less clinical and more comforting for everyone who spends time there.
Consultation
I led a consultation workshop with staff groups and stakeholders and received feedback from my visual boards and questions from staff, patients and carers. Their insights were invaluable and directly shaped the final artwork.
Local flower inspiration
Research and Development
The process to get a solution for the space involved research, sketching ideas, different concepts, thinking, listening, drawing, edits and consultation, measuring, colour palettes, mocking up ideas and sampling. Through the consultation the seasons was talked about and this became focus for the designs and zoning of the areas.
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Nods to Dundee
I included Dudhope, Mains and Claypotts castle, with suggestion of the The Law and Cox Stack.
Quotes
“This wonderful initiative has brought a breath of fresh air and a sense of calm to the ward, and we’re very proud to provide funding for it.” – NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation
“Louise brought a wealth of expertise and a deeply person-centered approach. The resulting artworks reflect the voices and experiences of those in the ward.” – Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust
“It’s been a great improvement that feels like our own bespoke environment.” – Senior Charge Nurse Steven Elder
I love working on projects within healthcare spaces using my skills of consultation, having a person centred approach, inspired by spaces, visioning, creative skills, design development, working with multiple partners and feel the final designs help soften the clinical environment and help with navigation to help promote a sense of wellbeing and familiarity.
This project was commissioned by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) who supported my in my role as lead artist and funded by NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation and fabricated and installed by Phoenix Graphics. You can read NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation case study about it here
If you would like to see my other healthcare, public artworks and illustration designs you can see more on my website