Step Exhibitions
Reuben Young People’s Centre – White Arkitekter
Nominee Information
The Reuben Young People’s Centre, a 26-bed paediatric and adolescent unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, reopened in late 2024 following an extensive transformation. Led by White Arkitekter in collaboration with the CW+ Arts in Health Team, the redesign aimed to create a welcoming, calm, and therapeutic environment for young people, ensuring they feel safe and supported during their hospital stay, no matter the reason for their admission.
Research highlights the crucial role of well-designed hospital environments in aiding recovery, particularly for children and young people who may feel anxious or overwhelmed. Recent studies have also identified the need to improve physical spaces in acute paediatric wards to better support young patients with mental health needs. This project addressed these challenges through thoughtful design, enhancing both the functionality and atmosphere of the unit.
There are now two rooms designed to support patients with significant mental health needs during their stay in the acute hospital setting, with four additional rooms that can be used flexibly in response to demand. As a result, these young people can be assessed in a safe, calming space that ensures their physical wellbeing while supporting de-escalation and reducing distress.
A key aspect of the redesign was shifting away from a clinical, institutional feel and instead fostering a space that feels familiar, comforting, and engaging. Every design choice was made with the well-being of young patients in mind, from the use of warm, natural materials to a vibrant colour palette that creates a sense of positivity and reassurance. The ‘Best For You’ colour scheme, developed with input from young people, was seamlessly integrated into the space, enhancing the overall sense of comfort and connection.
Art played a fundamental role in shaping the new ward environment. CW+ commissioned artists Sas & Yosh and Jo Peel to create murals and wayfinding elements that bring life to the space. Their work was inspired by the views of London from the fourth floor of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, incorporating local landmarks and neighbourhood features into the artwork. This connection to the outside world provides a sense of familiarity, helping young patients feel more grounded and at ease.
Sas & Yosh, known for their bold, playful designs, introduced abstract patterns and motifs that engage younger children, while Jo Peel’s detailed cityscapes provide a sense of narrative and place for adolescent patients. The artists worked closely together to ensure their styles complemented one another, creating a cohesive yet dynamic visual experience. These artistic interventions, combined with ceiling light panels, biophilic materials, and timber-effect finishes, help soften the clinical environment, making the ward feel less like a hospital and more like a healing space.
By integrating art, colour, and thoughtful design, The Reuben Young People’s Centre has transformed into a space that prioritises emotional well-being alongside medical care. The project demonstrates how art and design can work together to humanise healthcare environments, offering young patients a sense of security, connection, and reassurance during what can often be a difficult and stressful time.
