Prosper were approached to produce a series of bespoke artworks to brighten the Childrens Ward at The Royal Brompton Hospital in London.
The Rose Ward specialises in the care of babies and children up to the age of 16, with heart and lung problems.
Due to the severity of patient conditions and the long-term stay away from home for many, the aim was to create an environment that provides escapism for the children, families and staff who spend a lot of time on the ward. Other considerations were to improve the general wayfinding, decluttering to minimise stress and to organise information more clearly for both staff and patients, as well to give the wards their own unique identity and character.
Before any design work began, workshops were held with the children and their families, putting them at the heart of the creative development. From the workshop findings artworks were created based upon mythical landscapes, allocating each area a theme that could work in isolation or as part of a collective piece.
The separate rooms within the ward were given names reflecting the final themes; Ocean, Forest, Desert, Mountain and Riverside. Some pieces covered up to 6 metres in length from floor to ceiling along wards whilst other pieces were strategically placed in cubby holes, the nurses’ station and on ceiling tiles for children who are bed ridden to look upwards at. Every space was optimised with some illustrations dialled up for distracting spaces and textural backgrounds used for more sensitive areas.
The project was successfully completed in October 2018. The team were extremely humbled and proud to see the reaction from patients, parents and staff. They all commented on how the new space was a massive improvement. Prosper were responsible for the design, project management, artwork and overseeing the installation.
Credits
Client: Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust & The Brompton Fountain
Contractor: Ltd Limited
