Client: Arkansas Children's Hospital

Overview

To combine the design theme of “discovery and delight” with a nature environment, we established a contemporary “low poly” interpretation of nature which appears on elements throughout the space. This included a central 2-story tree sculpture with integrated tables for the dining area below. Unique, colorful birds congregate on the trees and throughout the public spaces. On the patient floors a fox, turtle, deer, rabbit and other animals interact with their surrounding elements. The combination of wall graphics, sculptures and informational graphics create a subtle, intuitive and integrated sense of place and intuitively aid in wayfinding through the facility.

Goals

The sculptures, graphics and colors within the project give the building its character. Together these elements serve a number of roles. 1) Donor recognition: As each sculpture was part of a fundraising campaign and played a role in recognizing the donors’ contributions to the facility. 2) Wayfinding: The memorable sculptures and themed dimensional graphics intuitively help the visitor navigate the space. 3) Overall character and design of the hospital: The “low poly” feel of the sculptures and accompanying elements established a direction for furniture style and upholstery as well as marketing and collateral for the facility.

Process

Early coordination with the architects and interior designers was crucial. For the 3D wall graphics a recess was required that could then be filled with vinyl wall graphics and dimensional appliques. The colors between the surrounding walls, graphics, sculptures and even furniture needed to coordinate and the tree sculpture & birds, to interact with their surroundings had to be coordinated between both sculpture and signage fabricators as well as the architect and general contractor to insure proper installation could occur. It was truly a team effort.