interiors
Jeremy Hutchinson created yellow sculptures which patients at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre can use to store personal items
Getting design down to a fine art
How the arts can turn a dull inpatient space into a healing environment
F
or the past decade the evidence base for the inclusion of artworks and participatory arts projects in
hospitals and other care facilities has swelled considerably. And it now widely accepted that any
new-build or refurbishment project within the sector should have a dedicated arts budget. But, more commonly, pictures,
paintings and statues are placed in corridors, waiting rooms, outpatient departments and lobby and entrance areas; while inpatient environments are increasingly overlooked. However, with some people
bedbound for many weeks; should we not be looking to prioritise ward spaces and patient rooms?
Causing a distraction Jane Willis of arts in health consultancy, Willis Newson, said: “Pictures on the walls make the environment more approachable for patients and visitors. Art also provides sensory stimulation and enjoyment, as well as a distraction
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of focus away from illness. “Artworks can remind people of their
sense of self and identity outside of that of being a patient, reconnecting them with all they value and hold dear.” Peter Shenai of Art In Site adds:
“When people are staying in hospital long-term you need to think about long-term roles for art. “Having detailed, beautiful, subtle art
that people can ‘come back to’ is good, as they might be seeing it quite a lot. The worst thing is something that is easy the first time you see it and boring on a second or third viewing. Catering for visitors, too, is vital. Shenai said: “People in inpatient
wards are more likely to be getting visitors, especially children. At Evelina Children’s Hospital, for example, we’ve been doing a lot of work aimed at siblings and parents as well as patients.” Willis Newson worked with artist,
Jeremy Hutchinson, on a series of works for patient rooms at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC), funded by the hospital charity, Above & Beyond. As well as providing something
pleasing to look at, the bright-yellow sculptures also offer a place to store personal possessions and were designed so that patients could create
their own ’still life’, using them to hold books, hang up a hat, or display family photos, for example. Interactive works such as this are
useful in inpatient environments as every patient will be different, so they can be adapted to suit individual preferences. Shenai said: “As a patient, being able
to put your mark on a space is very important. “At Evelina we are developing a series
of beautiful, colourful blinds that can be drawn together or apart to create an interplay of colour and light, just as the patient needs or likes. This helps to bring back a sense of the space being theirs.” Also driving the choice of artwork
are key health considerations such as infection control and fire safety. And, predictably, budget will also have an impact. In terms of themes, ‘nature is a
perennially-popular topic,” said Willis. “And it’s popularity is backed up
by considerable research into its beneficial effect.
Subject matter “However, subject matter, and its treatment within an artwork, should be patient or condition specific. “A long-stay patient may suffer
boredom and need distraction and an
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