PASW Regional Newsletter: Autumn 2001
Regional Projects Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
The Project Team for the new Bristol Royal Hospital for Children wanted to ensure that the new building was based on three important things
- the child's eye view of both the physical surroundings and how the place feels.
- the need for a relaxed, interesting and secure environment to reduce fear and tension for the child and for the family as a whole.
- recognising the vital role that the family plays in the treatment and recovery of their child, and so aiming to meet the needs of the whole family.
To achieve this we had to ensure that we built into the fabric of the building design features specifically for children i.e. viewing panels in the doors but why not make them fun as well by making them art features and part of the wayfinding
From the outset we were determined to include art in the building so we both arranged an artists in residence programme to inform the design and also took on an arts co-ordinator and a lead artist to work with the design team. This work was supported by an Arts Committee which was chaired by the Project Director and had senior input from the hospital, staff and parent representation.
Whatever we did needed the support of staff, children and parents. Over the years we have held numerous exhibitions, all artists have had to work with children and staff, and for many, children have been involved with the selection process and even as part of the interview and selection panel.
Donors to the Grand Appeal for the Hospital have been recognised though the use of ceramic tiles for which the art work has been created by children and in the main is linked to the broad work of the donor i.e. houses for the Bristol and West and fruit for Somerfields.
The building is now open and over 11000 people visited prior to opening and many more will obviously visit now it is open. All of the responses have been very positive and the children (and Adults!) are enjoying the interactive art pieces and the overall ambience created.
Now the building is complete the arts programme will continue with the appointment of an arts coordinator to run a programme of events, residencies, exhibitions, and work with children, staff and families.
Thank you to all of the artists involved and to Public Art South West for their advice and support.
Graham Nix,
Project Director and Deputy Chief Executive, United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust
Interactive Work designed by Aardman Animations.
Photo: Jerry Hardman-Jones