15 Designers and Artists Decorate Children’s Hospital Walls

Hospitals are the last place you want to be when you’re a child, it’s no fun if you’re sick! Hospital food is usually terrible along with the boring white walls. British Art orginization, Vital Arts, decided to create something special for the hospital. The past few years they have slowly transformed the walls of the London Royal Children’s Hospital into a bright and colorful place.

Using materials like vinyl, ceramics, rugs, wood and other materials, the fifteen designers and artists decorated the children’s hospital walls. Packed with vibrant colors, cheerful animals and make believe forests have transformed the blank white walls into a fun place for the children.

More info: vitalarts.com (h/t: designboom)

Trauma and gastroenterology (Wing 7D) by Morag Myerscough

“The piece has a huge amount of references that had been embedded in my memory for many years and came out all together at one time. So there are elements of circus, organic, art deco, Asian culture, Victorian architecture and the list goes on so a real mash-up that came out of my head onto paper and then onto the walls”

“The whole aim of the piece was to make a ward that would help to bring some joy to the young patients and parents with colour and some fun that would be warm and welcoming

Haematology (Ward 7F) by Donna Wilson

 “One of the most important things for me was to make the hospital not feel like a hospital. I wanted the patients, parents and nurses all to feel relaxed, happy and stimulated by the environment that surrounds them and by using design you can lift the mood and well-being of the people there.”

 “I’ve enjoyed seeing and hearing the reactions of not just the children but the parents too who are so pleased that the ward feels happier, colourful and less sterile and intimidating. This makes it so worthwhile and hugely rewarding for me as a designer.”

Paediatric Assessment and Short Stay Unit (Ward 7C (B)) by Chris Haughton

Rather than numbering each room Haughton decided to give each room a different animal character; a lion room, a parrot room and a fish room etc.

 In the corridors vinyl is used to create a gathering of life-sized animals including a dinosaur peering down from the ceiling, all looked after by a monkey dressed as a doctor

Respiratory (Ward 7E) by Miller Goodman, 2014

“Wood is a traditional warm medium that soulfully ages softening with play. It is traditional and always evokes childhood memories of play. We hope that the mix of bright vinyl colours and wooden characters encourages and entertains the child as well as wishes them a speedy recovery.”

Elevator Lobbies by Katharine Morling

Ceramicist Katharine Morling spent six-weeks on children’s wards working with patients to create sketchbooks recalling favourite memories and treasured toys. Morling then used these sketchbooks to develop porcelain sculptures for her commission for the new children’s hospital.

Featuring performing rhinos, butterflies and train tracks made from rulers, Collective Memories of the London presents a dream-like version of the everyday world.

 Throughout All Wards by Doran

“A seminal moment for me was when a three-year-old girl stopped crying the moment she saw the curtains, pointing excitedly to the hidden cats and rabbits. That’s when I knew my design had worked.”

Paediatric Critical Care (Ward 6c) by Tord Boontje

Alluding to renewal and growth, the work contains animals and elements in energising colours for children to find and discover. The larger drawings are very finely detailed and invite you to discover new elements day after day.

Activity Space (7th Floor) by Cottrell and Vermeulen and Morag Myerscough

“We wanted to create a place that was an escape for the young patients, an engaging place that was fun, playful & colourful, but at the same time gave the opportunity for the whole family to relax together.”