“Everything you can imagine is real.” – Pablo Picasso

Art has the power to create a soothing and positive atmosphere, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance overall well-being. When strategically incorporated into your medical office interiors, art can transform clinical environments into more welcoming and comforting spaces. Today we explore art – what options are available and how to effectively integrate it by looking at some considerations to benefit your practice environment.

What Kinds of Art Can We Bring into The Medical Interiors?

Murals and Wall Installations are those occupying the surfaces of either a wall or ceiling usually in 2D. These can include framed paintings or photographs that can serve as focal points in waiting areas or corridors. These can be visually striking if done at a certain scale like supergraphics and create a sense of visual interest in blank surfaces. When placed in public spaces, they can also become conversation starters for patients and visitors.

Sculptures and Installations are those that are 3D built of stronger materials like steel or glass and those that take up volume in a space. They can be large – often placed in an outdoor setting in a place of honor or significance. They could also be mounted on walls or hung like mobiles on the ceiling. Even small objects occupying a shelf, or a tabletop can instantly improve the composition. Integrating sculptures or three-dimensional installations into the design adds a tactile and interactive element to the overall environment.

Functional art is those that do double duty as both objects of beauty and functional architectural elements. Graphics placed on a sliding panel can disguise doors as a piece of art. Large supergraphics of directional information can merge wayfinding and art into a striking visual combination. Even lighting fixtures like chandeliers when properly chosen can become works of art especially if placed in a place where it can be appreciated from multiple vantages.

What We Consider When Integrating Art in Medical Spaces:

• What emotions does the art convey?
  Use art to create a positive and calming atmosphere: Art can help to create a soothing environment that promotes healing and relaxation. Consider using calming colors and natural landscapes to create a peaceful environment.
• Branding and Design Direction
  Medical Interior Design is ultimately part of the branding you will have for your practice. It will be the offline manifestation of the brand promises and communication you have laid out in your online presence and must therefore be a direct extension of the whole branded experience. Art can play a significant part in tying everything together visually by selecting art that has a relationship to your brand values and brand visuals. A muted palette that compliments your interior colors can make art aligned or contrast but ultimately work together with the overall direction that will be desired.
• Patient Experience
  Consider displaying artworks that encourage patient engagement and interaction. This can include interactive installations, tactile art pieces, or artworks that incorporate elements like light, sound, or movement. These can help distract patients during waiting times or serve as conversation starters.
• Nature and Healing
  Art featuring natural landscapes, botanical elements, or serene imagery can create a sense of tranquility and healing. Consider incorporating nature-inspired artwork in waiting areas, patient rooms, or corridors to create a peaceful atmosphere.
• Work with Local Artists
  Showcase the work of local artists to create a sense of community and connection. This not only supports local talent but also adds a unique touch to your medical office. Collaborate with local art galleries or organizations to identify artists whose work complements your design vision, and it also grounds your office to the local community.
• Set the stage to best appreciate your art.
  Aside from selection, the right conditions must be set so that you appreciate the art at its best. Lighting and positioning play a crucial role to view and appreciate art.. Spotlights can be positioned specifically to highlight certain pieces so that they are also focused instead of throwing unnecessary glare everywhere. Mounting them securely so they don’t hang precariously is a matter of safety that we need to ensure. Consider having large frames bracketed instead of hung or have large sculptural installations screwed down so they don’t endanger anyone from toppling over.
• Art selection like all aspects of your medical interiors is not one to be left on its own. It must be as intentional as the rest of the design decisions you will undertake. Book a complimentary design consultation with us now and let’s get your journey to a high-performing medical office started! Have a great day ahead!