Refurbishment of Maple Ward by Sheffield Hospitals Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has improved the quality of clinical and therapeutic environment, operational in January 2026.
The projects incorporate a huge number of co-produced art works which were developed in collaboration with the wider technical scheme design. Responding to feedback from previous projects we wanted to create a ward that was autism friendly. This involved zoning the ward – an area that was calm and not over stimulating with subtle colours and landscape/seascape art, a gallery wall displaying art from variety of cultures and an area with energised colours and bolder artwork.
This was led by the Arts for Health Leads, through the use of contemporary visual artists all based in Sheffield from diverse backgrounds and at different points in their career. Seeking to reflect the vibrant Sheffield Street Art scene in the open plan activity areas, so we approached an experienced urban artist to meet this brief, in addition to keeping carbon footprint low though the use of local artists, creating strong sense of local identity which service users could identify with.
Four local artist were commissioned to work directly with service users to create original images. The co-produced artwork was funded by Sheffield Hospitals Charities. Artists included Sam Groom used service user produced shapes to inform her artworks. Zoe Genders artworks give a distinctive energising feel and are way markers for the scheme, appealing to a young and diverse demographic.
Each artist was free to interpret this. A key aspect of the use of artwork and the wider scheme design was to move away from a clinical and institutional feel. Service users and staff were involved in consultation around what makes a space feel autism friendly. The autism and neurodiversity staff network group, ethnically diverse staff network group, and a local mental health charity for black and ethnic service users and acute ward service users were consulted and included in art making. National guidance on neurodiversity and design was followed.
We linked all the artwork through the overarching theme of Earth, Sea and Sky. encompassed colours that promote wellbeing and inclusion of biophilic design as shown to aid recovery. As people are in a locked ward under section they cannot easily access nature so being in the presence of images of nature can have an impact on cortisol the stress hormone in much the same way as being outside according to evidence.
The artwork colour pallet was closely linked to the interior scheme to deliver a cohesive final scheme. Within the central open plan areas the artwork was designed to be a bold focus and care was taken to ensure the artwork integrated into the wider scheme and was designed to meet the very specific needs of the acute setting, therefore consideration was given to the material, printing and fixing or the artwork.
The therapy corridor was designed to feel like an extension of the main activity spaces, with art work flowing through the space.
