Therapeutic Graphics- Research & Inspirations

Chosen Theme: Nature (Flora)

I’ll be adding any additional material (in this post) that I’ve found pertaining to art in hospitals, therapeutic graphics as well as various artist references that have helped me to shape my ideas.

Art in Hospitals

The three artworks above make use of bright and vibrant colours in the design. The shapes used are simple and can be easily interpreted by all. All three share the similar theme of nature.

Work by Morag Myerscough

[Work above] By far the most detailed work out of all that I have seen. Colours used are just as vibrant as the rest. The design consists of repeated shapes and patterns.  Each shapes is fairly simple but together they form an extremely complicated and elaborate design.

Work by Tord Boontje
Work by Tord Boontje

[Two works above] Designs that use silhouettes of flowers, deer and stems. I’m really quite fond of these two, I feel it would somehow appeal to both young and old. Not too overcomplicated. The silhouettes are easily recognised as well.

Royal Florilegium by Jacques Nimlki
Royal Florilegium by Jacques Nimlki

[Work above] The work stood out the most to me., from the use of colours to the arrangement of elements, everything works. The use of various colours and shades are easy on the eyes and create depth. The nature theme is also seen here as with all the other works.

Artist References

Sofia Perina Miller

Colours of Autumn by Sofia Perina Miller
Roses by Sofia Perina Miller
Roses by Sofia Perina Miller
Autumn Roses by Sofia Perina Miller

http://www.sofiaperinamiller.com/index.html

The interesting thing about Miller’s work is that, they are colourful, a large quantity of reds and pinks are used but the colours work and don’t clash. The vibrancy gives the works life. The medium of watercolour also gives a nice soft finish, giving the flowers a delicate feel.

Michelle Morin

Feathers, Pods ,and Wings by Michelle Morin
Feathers, Pods ,and Wings by Michelle Morin
Bird Sanctuary At Night by Michelle Miller
Bird Sanctuary At Night by Michelle Miller
Nesting by Michelle Morin
Nesting by Michelle Morin
Gilded nests by Michelle Morin
Gilded nests by Michelle Morin

http://www.michellemorinart.com/

Morin uses layering of simple shapes to form various birds and plants. I really like her use of colours, as much as she uses many colours, none of them scream out for attention, in fact they compliment each other. Her works are extremely elaborate and detailed which I really do fancy. But colour, colour usage here is really lovely and stands out to me.

La Scarlatte

Nesting by La Scarlatte
Nesting by La Scarlatte
Portrait of Persephone, goddess of spring by La Scarlatte
Portrait of Persephone, goddess of spring by La Scarlatte
Blue Hues Pattern by La Scarlatte
Blue Hues Pattern by La Scarlatte
10 Feet Summer 2016 Fashion Pattern by La Scarlatte
10 Feet Summer 2016 Fashion Pattern by La Scarlatte

http://lascarlatte.com/

Floral prints-I stumbled upon this site by accident and I am really glad I did. I really love her art style and use of colours. All her works (especially the pattern series) really capture the essence of flowers and plants. Her works are used for not only for magazines and print but on fabric as well. Every image just flows really well. Words can’t describe how much I adore her work.

 

Other sources of inspiration

These are just other objects that I had seen other time that I thought were interesting. The packaging for Crabtree&Evelyn products have always been a favourite for me and they usually focus on nature as a theme as well which makes it very appropriate for the project.

As for the the tingkat, that just happened to be in my house and I really like the use of floral prints and colours in some of the tingkats.

Crabtree & Evelyn

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Inside of a Crabtree&Evelyn bag (side 1)
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Inside of a Crabtree&Evelyn bag (side 2)
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Crabtree&Evelyn box from their Lavender line
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A Tingkat

 

 

 

 

Therapeutic Graphics- Observations & Explorations

Task 1

Site Visit and Key Observations

Location: Link Bridge connecting Tower A and B of Ng Teng Fong Hospital

Demographic: Patients (i.e. wheelchair bound), staff (doctors, nurses, etc), the elderly (high percentage) and children

Traffic flow: Differs with time. Increases during times such as lunch hour. Generally, the walking speed of those who take the travelator is much slower than those who choose to walk. Speed also differs between different groups of people (i.e. the elderly tend to walk at a more leisurely and slow pace whereas the staff would walk at a quicker pace).

People who did take the travelator would tend to look out of the windows whilst travelling. On the hand, there was a much lower chance of observing someone looking out when they chose to walk instead, more often than not they would be using their phones.

Physical Features

The area is neutral and muted in colour, the link bridge itself is not that big but with the two sides serving as large continuous windows, there is an illusion of a larger space. White walls, ceiling and floor tiles. White floor tiles are speckled with small grey rectangular tiles.

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Tower B has green signage while A has blue signage, both of which are only visible when walking towards the towers.IMAG1665

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Two parallel travelators flanking each side of the link bridge. The space between the two travelators does seem to take up a large proportion of the bridge. There are large windows with horizontal dividers at regular intervals that disrupt the view and light flow.

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Alternating grey pillars of perpendicular (to ground) and diagonal positions can be found at both sides of the bridge. The pillars give the illusion of a zigzagging pattern.

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Use of the Space

The space is being used minimally, there are no shops along the bridge. The large space between the travelators is currently being used for display purposes. However this also means that space will be left vacant. Space probably left to accommodate high traffic flow. The link bridge as its name suggests, allows people to travel from Tower A to B and vice versa. The majority of people use the bridge as a way to tower A where the eateries are, but also to get to the MRT.

Tower A Clinics: Eateries, MRT, Westgate

Tower B Wards: ATM, florist, cafe

Exterior of the Space

Relatively busy roads, shopping centers(i.e. JEM), a couple of trees. Relatively more trees visible nearer towards Tower B on the right (standing facing towards A). IMM building sign is visible. At a glance, there are hints of green as one walks from one end of bridge to the other.

The Public’s View

With regard to how the public feels about the space, there is a general consensus that the selected area is quite plain as with most parts of the hospital.

My View

The décor area is generally quite plain and simply. I do like the extensive use of windows, lets in a lot light. Brightens the area, gives the illusion of a larger space. I also enjoy having the option to look out, to have something to do while on the travelator.

As compared to the other areas of the hospital, this portion seems a lot friendlier (which is a given since there are shops and amenities that we normally see outside of a hospital) common sight in most hospitals. But with that being said, it does seem quite cold an area, not much going on, that coupled with the fact that there isn’t much colour in the area (i.e. white walls, neutral tones throughout without much variation in shades, even floor tiles) as compared to other hospitals (NUH).

The one thing that I immediately do notice is the smell of coffee and bread of the cafes of both A and B, and that does make the place feel a lot my homey. If one were to momentarily ignore the fact that that is a hospital and take in the sights, smell and sounds, it could very well come across as a portion of a shopping center as far fetched as that sounds.

Key points from the visit

  • Two travelators on each side, proportionally large space in between travelators
  • Neutral colour scheme of whites and greys
  • Large windows with dividers, well lit but view is disrupted
  • Limited greenery outside building
  • Space is plain and could use more colour
  • Bridge used by people of all ages, different walking speeds

theme

Nature

Scan

(Flora and Fauna)

Flora and fauna with an emphasis on local species of plants (orchids, heliconia) and butterflies (common tiger, courtesan))

I often associate nature, and in particular plants with serenity and relaxation thus it was a given that I would want to create a design pertaining to that. Organic shapes and forms, curved lines and nothing too angular were guidelines that I set for myself. I feel to many sharp angles make a design look too harsh. Organic forms are easier on the eyes.

There have been studies that have showed the importance and benefits of being close to and surrounded nature especially for patients and the elderly.[1] In Singapore alone, the presence of The Therapeutic Garden @ HortPark is proof of the benefits of nature and greenery. With that in mind, I know this theme would probably be a more effective base for the creation of therapeutic graphics. Most of the people who would benefit from the nature theme are in the majority who visit the hospital. I also found another article talking about the benefits of nature in the healing process. Link to article: https://musedialogue.org/articles-by-genre/artsandlife/arts-and-healing-vol-1/healing-art-one-part-imitation-one-part-imagination/

These elements will also complement the existing exterior of the building (the trees and greenery present outside). There are trees outside but there does not seem to be plants, flowering or not, of equal quantities. The elements of this theme will help emphasise the greenery and hopefully bring the it closer to the people who use the bridge.

Having a work that involves plants, flowers etc, elements that people are already familiar with, would hopefully make the work more inclusive since it can be appreciated by all ages. The sense of familiarity from looking at something may also help to relax one and thus serve as a therapeutic purpose. I want elements that are easily accepted by all if not the majority. I decided to focus on local species of plants and butterflies because that will again help to bring a sense of familiarity.

Mood Board 1
Mood Board 1

I was inspired by Russian artist Vasilj Godzh’s works which employs lines and intricate details. The manipulation of lines by Godzh is incredible, creating monotone works with depth and texture.

Scan 2
Various sketches
Scan 5
A sketch relating to flowers

 

[1] Talbot, JF, and R. Kaplan. “The benefits of nearby nature for elderly apartment residents.” Search Results The International Journal of Aging and Human Development 33, no. 2 (1991): 119-130.

Nature

(Waves and Seashells)

The theme of nature is extremely broad and I don’t want to limit my options as of yet so I have included another possible sub-theme. I decided to create a design based on elements from the beach, namely the the ocean waves and seashells. The elements would bring something new to the existing environment since the beach is not within sight of the hospital. The repetitive sound of waves lapping and its constant movement becomes very relaxing and calming. I intend to bring this repetition of sound and movement into the design via a repetition of lines.

I decided to gain more inspiration from Japanese fabrics, particularly those of the ocean theme. I fancy their use of lines to represent waves in a simple yet sophisticated manner. The works of Tracie Cheng were also of great inspiration as she uses lines to create movement and form.

Mood Board 2
Mood Board 2
Scan 1
Various sketches for the ‘wave’ element
Scan 4
Composition for ‘wave’

The reason for the inclusion of seashells started from the thought of the Golden ratio; the correct proportions to create something aesthetically pleasing might actually be therapeutic, because it somehow looks correct to the human eye. So, the Golden ratio Fibonacci sequence it was and the Fibonacci spiral which is often seen in shells. Shells themselves have such interesting textures and ridges that can be used in my design. As a side note, picking seashells seems to be an activity that many have done for fun, hopefully the sight of shells might trigger the child in all of us.