Client: Platte Valley Medical Center

Overview

The project’s atypical, fish-like footprint required multiple levels of assessments and input to reach its creative breakthroughs in design and usage. In finishing out an unusually shaped shell of the hospital’s third-floor west wing, the design challenges that arose sparked collaboration among Boulder Associates Architects, hospital staff, former patients, community members, and patient advocates. That thoughtfulness included the art program, for which PS Art Consulting participated in a number of its own inventive solutions.

Doubling up on opaque glass doors as canvas, PS Art Consulting designed custom window films of native grasses and local botanicals. In each of the 28 patient rooms, whiteboards were incorporated into these films on the door to the toilet rooms, freeing up wall space for original, commissioned, framed fine art. An original piece was used as the basis for a mural in the central space, surrounded by more large-scale landscape-inspired environmental graphics, including two custom murals on high-quality wall coverings.

Behind the nurses’ station, a wall of ceramic succulents by regional artist April Cannon introduces the shapes and colors of plants. At another nurses’ station, Georgia Rowswell’s fabric landscape incorporates fabric items donated by the staff.

Goals

1. Beautify the space and inspire the patients and staff.
2. Commission local/regional artists whenever possible.
3. Include a wide variety of media for an unexpected art experience.

Process

PS was happy to collaborate closely with Boulder Associates Architects, hospital staff, former patients, community members, and patient advocates to offer a high-impact art package for this remodel project.

Additional Information

The gallery effect is a most spectacular addition to this beautifully renovated floor, welcoming to all patients, visitors, and staff — clearly a holistic effort by everyone involved for the ultimate mind-body-spirit connection.