As part of a unique collaboration between Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD), a team of AUB students has designed two original nine-metre-long murals for a new building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
The murals, which are part of a developing hospital art trail – a key element of the NHS Trust's £500 million transformation programme – were unveiled on Wednesday 29 October.
Transforming spaces into vibrant and uplifting visual experiences, the colourful murals hope to reduce stress and promote positive wellbeing. The new artworks aim to create a welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff as they enter the hospital.
Taking six months to design, the two murals were created by BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design students Emily Bishop, Yulia Klajnscek, Rhea Hackwell and Olivia Greatrex, under the creative direction of recent AUB graduate, Lenya Hulford-Greig.
Each design draws on natural themes and local wildlife to bring colour, energy, and a sense of connection to nature into the hospital environment.
The first installation, the Emerging Kingfisher, celebrates themes of nature, resilience, and renewal, echoing the values that underpin care and recovery within the healthcare environment.
“The kingfisher artwork was inspired by the birds that visit the lake at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital,” Lenya explains. “Kingfishers are considered lucky birds, representing beauty and grace.
“We added photographs of the forest and seascapes into the bird’s wings, which were taken by hospital staff. This artwork was made to give visitors a moment of calm while moving through the hospital.
“The second design, the Dorset Diorama, gives a new twist to traditional dioramas by layering famous landmarks and features from across Dorset in a panoramic experience evoking a sense of comfort and belonging, helping people feel connected to the local area.”
“This collaboration demonstrates the positive impact of creative partnerships between education and healthcare, enriching public spaces while offering emerging artists the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their community," comments Laura Joy, Arts Manager at University Hospitals Dorset.
Meanwhile, Jamie Yeates, Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design course at AUB, says, “These panels are a shining example of what is possible when our universities and hospitals come together.
“The designs celebrate themes of nature, resilience and renewal, echoing the values that underpin care and recovery within the healthcare environment. This creative collaboration with UHD supports patient and NHS staff wellbeing and also empowers young creatives to leave a lasting, positive legacy in their community.”