Design in the Dale Public Art Commission, Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow

This collection of creative interventions was a Public Art Commission for ‘Design in the Dale’ to enhance the grounds at NHSGGC Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow. The Commission brief was to create art and design interventions to create wayfinding, creative experiences and encourage well-being for patients and staff when walking the grounds, recently redeveloped by ERZ Landscape Architects. There are three elements that are the basis for the biophilic and well-being narrative. These are three seats, the gable end mural and the four hand-made tile wall installations.

I created a design narrative that has a biophilic approach and narrative to all the elements through colour palette, materials, and the considered placement that connect the elements. Collectively, they encourage a sense of calm, story and rest, giving opportunity to connect to nature, the natural environment and encourage empathy and community.

The seats, made from Siberian Larch, are shaped like 3-leaf clovers with the bold dandelion yellow metal supporting the wood. Two seats are sited on the green opposite the mural to encourage conversation and/or contemplation of the mural. The seats were designed in collaboration with architect/designers KennedyTwaddle.

A third seat is placed along the path in a sun trap. The sitter looks down the path and towards the trees, their back protected by wall giving a sense of refuge in the sun. Behind the sitter is one of four tile installations, another three are in view along the path. These tile installations are organic in shape, like ‘hand-crafted moss’ growing on the buildings. They are installed on corners, seen from varying directions. Flower-like in shape the tiles have drawings printed and imprinted on them to create biophilic patterns. These are patients’ mindful drawings from creative workshops. Imprints from patient drawings were 3D printed, as were bespoke ceramic cutters. I collaborated with ceramic artist Charlotte Cadzow on the tile making and colour matching with Tilefire Ltd printing the drawings on each tile.

Following the path around a corner, the 9 metre mural is seen. The initial design concepts for the mural were to offer a sense of horizon, journey and reassurance as well as add depth to the green square it frames. After consultation with hospital staff, I developed a concept and design with a strong graphic tone for the mural and gave this to illustrator Ursula Bevan Hunter, with the overall colour palette to work from. The resulting mural offers a tranquil and uplifting landscape scene in nature.