UCLH Children’s A+EInterior Re-Design of the Accident and Emergency Department.
In this live project in collaboration with the University College Hospital London, realised during the MA Narrative Environments, we have been asked to re-design the Childrens and Young Adults A+E department to create a truly patient-focused and age-appropriate environment that provides a welcoming, uplifting atmosphere that alleviates the anxieties of patients and their carers when visiting the A+E.
In response, we have developed a proposal to redesign the children’s A+E into a place of intentional relaxation, to alleviate the anxiety and stress of not only the patients and their parents but also of staff.
Taking inspiration from one of the most culturally embedded symbols of relaxation – water in all it’s forms, movements and sounds, the design includes a wave room with an air bubble wall, enclosed river seating, a rain room with rain sticks attached to the wall that children can activate, puddle tables and cloud chairs. The colour scheme is muted yet uplifting and relaxing.
Each element has both functional and narrative value. The colours and graphics help to create a visually identifiable environment by helping patients and carers to easily find the area of the hospital to go to and at the same time create an appealing environment for children who feel so protected and welcomed. The furniture offers various relaxation activities inspired by the shapes and sounds of water – there is the possibility to play with the wall elements, draw and even cuddle with their parents in spacious, private seating.
