Alice in Wonderland has come the Royal London Hospital where a surreal oversize living room has been created for the hospital’s young patients. The play space was designed by architects Cottrell & Vermeulen and designer Morag Myerscough, who wanted it to be a complete escape for the children on the ward. The space is filled with superscale objects to explore and interact with, so that it might distract kids from thinking about being in hospital.
From its scale, to its colourful yet clean design (note that primary colours don’t dominate), and details such as the giant skirting board with oh-so familiar trellis wallpaper above, everything is delightfully imaginative. I have long wondered why health care environments aren’t designed with a bit more, well… care? Especially when it comes to children, the less institutional the environment, the easier it is to feel at home and comfortable. Surely that’s a good thing in any environment where children are cared for, be it a hospital, dentist’s waiting room, or day care nursery?
You can get more background on the play area’s design here and here.
(images: creative review, tidbit du jour)
There’s a big wow-factor there for sure!
And I like the way you link your work and interests to the world outside private homes – when are you going to cover schools? I wish the school my children go to would hire you!
Pass on my details!
Hi Ursula, What an amazing space that is. It is the kind of design that really helps you to think outside of the ordinary, however lovely the ordinary can be. Your blog is great and much more in tune with how I like to see kids’ rooms. Thanks you. Triciax
Thanks for your nice words Tricia : )
Wow Ursula-what a truly amazing space-brilliant! SO sorry we hardly got any time together on Saturday after such a long time not seeing you. I’ve just got my ticket for the Selvedge fair on the 23rd. Are you still coming lovely? xx
Definitely! See you then xxx
I love the design. Trouble is, it shouldn’t just be for kids. We need to take more of these concepts through all times of life.
I saw some concepts for google’s European headquarters a couple of years ago. They had similar concepts of space and design in working environment. Here’s something from the daily telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/picture-galleries/9461561/Inside-Googles-quirky-new-London-headquarters.html
Thanks for sharing Keith!
Ursula! This is amazing! When I was in Stockholm, many of the bloggers kept telling me about a London hospital with an amazing play area but they couldn’t remember where. Now I know. It’s wonderful to have this magical area to make children feel at home and not be fearful of hospital. Thanks so much for sharing this. Looking forward to seeing you soon. x
I’d love to see it with my own eyes sometime – maybe we can go together?
How I wish every hospital in the world have this concept so that children might feel they are at home even though they are admitted in the hospital.
Very nice decor, children have a great place to play.