Denver-based ArtHouse Design has begun work on a multi-level, interactive wall art installation for the elevator lobbies of the future Hale Family Clinical Building at Boston Children’s Hospital. The building is scheduled for completion in 2021 and occupancy in 2022. Hot off the success of its wayfinding, theming and donor signage program for Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, New York, ArtHouse will design a comprehensive experiential graphic design program, as well as oversee its fabrication and implementation, to deliver inventive, tactile solutions that:

• foster a sense of wonder and engagement;

• are visually stimulating to a range of ages and cultures;

• intrigue first-time, long-term and lifelong visitors alike;

• and are durable enough to withstand the intense stresses of a healthcare environment.

The 11-story, 575,000-square-foot clinical building will include a state-of-the-art NICU, with 30 beds replacing large open spaces with private rooms; a comprehensive and integrated five-floor Heart Center; all single patient rooms for the privacy, safety and comfort of patients and families; 10 new operating rooms, contiguous to 12 renovated operating rooms; and more green and open space.

“We like to get in early on a project like this to help inform and guide the process while everything is still moving,” said ArtHouse Design Director Beth Rosa. “Coordinating with architects, interior designers, hospital staff, patients and families, and the community, we can work together to determine where needs and challenges are and overcome them with careful consideration in our designs.” 

Collaborating with the Boston Children’s Creative Arts Program, patients, families and staff had an opportunity to review early design concepts and influence the look and feel of these custom-designed artworks. 

ArtHouse’s experiential graphic design program will encompass a series of 40’-long, thematic walls on at least five of the building levels, next to elevator bays. Concepts based on Boston Children’s design direction include themes such as science and nature, ground to sky and macro/micro reminiscent of PBS’ Powers of 10 film by Charles and Ray Eames, which depicts the scale and magnitude of the universe.

In a similar vein, ArtHouse is using dynamic yet appropriate colors, sounds, icons and media to create layers of activities and games that still subtly help hospital visitors navigate the building. ArtHouse is blending technology with art to bring depth and energy to its designs, so kids and families can explore and discover something different each visit.

“We pay close attention to the changing demands of the environment while being sensitive to patients,” said ArtHouse Principal and Creative Director Marty Gregg. “Simply put, our designs provide helpful distractions. No messaging, no warnings, no directions, just fun.”

“When I see photos and hear stories of the patients whose lives are affected by our designs, I feel rewarded and grateful for every opportunity to work with children’s hospitals,” said Rosa. “Art helps heal, and we hope our work with Boston Children’s will add comfort and cheer to the experience of children and families who visit the hospital from all over the world.”

ArtHouse has won numerous industry and civic awards from HOW, GDUSA, UCDA, ASLA, Graphis and the City of Denver for its work on other healthcare experiential graphic design programs, such as Golisano Children’s Hospital.