Art technology takes centre stage in the new building at Benenden Hospital.
The hospital enlisted OOHSCREEN, pioneers of art media and digital signage communications, to manage the project.
The company’s directors, Hugh Turvey and Lisa Moore, initially designed vinyl printed artwork across the large open space but, due to a lack of windows at eye level, searched for technology to bridge the gap between the indoors and outdoors.
The effects of physical environments have, in recent years, been proven to increase the healing process and wellbeing of patients and healthcare staff. Recognising this, Benenden created sensory experiences throughout the hospital.
Circular patterns on the flooring in the atrium, plus a combination of art and technology, help to create a relaxing environment for patients on arrival.
Healthcare employees were encouraged to make suggestions and choose artwork for their wards, which also feature fragranced scents to increase serenity and the sense of bringing the outdoors indoors.
Patients can also view moving landscape and vertical content, displayed across 15 LG 55ins 55LV75A screens as they wait for appointments.
The displays are configured in sets of three, resulting in five consecutive HD videowalls.
The resolution and brightness of the displays emphasise the artwork created by Turvey that replicates the green fields surrounding the hospital, while maintaining image quality from any viewing angle.
Turvey, director at OOHSCREEN, said: “This has been a rewarding project to be a part on multiple levels.
“I spent a lot of time exploring the hospital grounds and history to understand its ethos in order to create content for the displays that would continue the hospital’s tranquil ambience. LG was the logical choice and the atrium environment is a place where technology meets art to great effect.”
Ian Tolfree, key account manager at LG, added: “The 55ins 55LV75A displays offer HD resolution and brightness which performs well in the high ambient light of the atrium, while its streamline design blends in with the modern aesthetic. Benenden is a great example of technology applied at its best.”The content is controlled by a BrightSign XD1033 digital signage player, which makes it possible for OOHSCREEN to remotely update the content and manage the sequence of multiple pictures over a five-year period. Seada G4K PRO smoothly splits the content across the displays. All the displays are mounted on Peerless-AV brackets.
Denise Telford, director of business development and performance at Benenden Hospital Trust, said: “It was important for us to keep the heritage of the hospital running throughout this redevelopment, but to focus on the future of what we have to offer.
“It’s been a special project for me as the aim was for the matrons to have a role in selecting themes for their own wards.
“Hugh and Lisa have gone beyond what we could have imagined and truly created a therapeutic atmosphere through the art and displays.
“We have already received very positive feedback from patients and they are so popular we are extending the operating times of the video walls.”