Step Exhibitions
Wandering Through Nature Under the Stars: Silverwood – Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Nominee Information
The synergistic effect between art and architecture is powerful. Art can assist us when experiencing illness, processing challenging emotions and managing difficult circumstances. Our vision for Silverwood was to embrace artwork to support the recovery process, promoting emotional well-being for both service users and staff
Our approach when designing Silverwood was holistic, human-centered and rooted in how our innate relationship and connection with nature can provide supportive and uplifting environments for service users, staff and visitors. The vision from the onset was to bring the outside, natural world, into the healthcare environment. A biophilic methodology underpins the narrative of connecting with the local landscape.
Through engagement sessions with service users, staff and experts by experience, themes for the interior design and look and feel of the building were discussed and ideas on colour palette and materials tested with various groups. The brief was to create a calm, relaxing and non-clinical environment which supports neurodiversity. The interior design strategy evolved through a series of sensory workshops.
It was a priority that any artwork introduced into the building should be safe, not pose any risk to service users, be durable and easy to maintain. It was agreed the best way for art to be impactful and really make a difference was to integrate it into the building elements and introducing a bespoke wallcovering was identified at an early stage.
The artwork for Silverwood spans 17 walls, extending from the entrance corridor through all major circulation areas and into each of the four ward lounges. Designed as a nature walk through the local landscape, the artwork is the result of extensive research and engagement. It also reflects the celestial themes chosen for each ward through stakeholder and public consultation.
Supporting the recovery journey, the design concept draws inspiration from the local neighbourhood, incorporating themes of nearby rivers and landscapes into the colour palette and wayfinding strategy. This story is further reflected in the artwork featured as wallcoverings along circulation routes and within each ward, where seasonal depictions of flora and fauna blend with star and constellation motifs to foster a sense of place and belonging.
Biophilic artist Kate Bond immersed herself in making connections with the interior design strategies; colour and material palettes, wayfinding and signage. By connecting these elements artwork is woven throughout the building’s fabric and gently threads together the built environment with nature.
The innovative layered design utilises all the colours in the interior palette, with variations of intensity and vibrancy. Illustrations vary in scale and the placement of text is well considered allowing intrigue when the more intricate elements of the design are revealed. Recognising service users may stay in the unit for some time, the artwork offers inspiration and positivity.
The artwork has exceeded all expectations. It is engaging, meaningful and responsive to the emotional and psychological state of individuals at varying stages of their recovery journey. We believe Silverwood provides a message of hope, optimism and wellbeing for service users, staff and visitors.
