Atrium Health Union West

Skyline Signature Experience

Transforming the Healthcare Experience: Revolutionizing traditional hospital aesthetics with a vibrant collection of diverse materials and artistic techniques from local and minority artists, each piece deliberately selected to resonate with regional themes and foster a healing environment.
Championing Community Voices: Prioritizing substantial participation from local and minority artists, making it a cornerstone of the project, thereby enriching the representation and narrative of the community within the health system.
Weaving Local Stories Throughout: Infusing each floor with regional narratives and thematic designs, creating spaces that are not only inviting but also mirror the unique identity and spirit of the local community.
Crafting Engaging and Tactile Artworks: Deliberately selecting a myriad of textures and materials for the artworks, designed to intrigue and invite interaction, thereby elevating visitor engagement and enriching the overall experience.

LOCATION

Charlotte and surrounding areas, North Carolina

ARCHITECT

Perkins and Will

DESIGNER

NBBJ

OVERVIEW

In orchestrating the Arts Master Plan for Atrium Health, covering more than 2.25 million square feet across various hospital and rehabilitation campuses, the focus was to transcend the conventional clinical atmosphere, creating spaces that are warm, engaging, and reflective of the regional ethos. This extensive network of facilities is distinguished by its rich tapestry of art, ranging from striking outdoor sculptures and interactive seating arrangements to bespoke art installations in communal areas and regionally inspired photography in examination rooms. Each patient room is accentuated with customized graphics, imbued with local themes, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity. The collaborative efforts with the design teams were pivotal in ensuring that while each space possessed its distinct charm and relevance, they collectively adhered to a unified standard, contributing to an integrated and harmonious healthcare environment.

CHALLENGE

The task of curating an art program predominantly featuring local and minority artists while ensuring suitability for a healthcare environment presented distinct challenges. The art selection had to resonate universally, catering to the diverse needs and scenarios encountered in a healthcare setting. It was crucial that the artwork not only held aesthetic appeal but also met the practical demands of durability, ease of cleaning, and functional appropriateness. Striking this balance between visual appeal and practical considerations became a crucial element of the project, underscoring the skill needed to navigate complex demands in executing a comprehensive Arts Master Plan.

SOLUTION

In the process of developing Atrium Health’s Arts Master Plan, a key initial step was to define the terms “local” and “minority” to ensure alignment among stakeholders and decision-makers regarding the project’s objectives. The selection of artwork sought to push the conventional limits of what is deemed appropriate for healthcare settings, carefully considering the artist’s location, style, and thematic content. Artists were provided with detailed guidance tailored to healthcare environments, including advice on suitable color palettes and the level of activity in their artwork.

The decision-making process was comprehensive, involving in-depth presentations of artists’ profiles, including their geographical locations, biographies, and conceptual proposals. Plans detailing the placement of artworks were shared to provide a holistic understanding of how these pieces would be distributed across various spaces within the healthcare system.

An art committee was established to oversee the selection and voting processes, with an emphasis on ensuring a consistent artistic theme throughout the Atrium Health system. Selecting materials for the artwork was a critical task aimed at achieving both visual appeal and practicality. Large outdoor sculptures were chosen to enhance the landscape and contribute to the overall aesthetic, while artworks in lobby areas were selected to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Customized graphics featuring regional themes were employed, utilizing durable wall protection materials to combine visual impact with ease of maintenance. This approach ensured that the art installations were not only visually striking but also suited to the demands of a healthcare setting.

RESULTS

The art program at Atrium Health achieved a transformative ambiance, moving away from the traditional hospital feel through meticulous sourcing, strategic material selection, and thoughtful placement of artwork. The successful integration of diverse materials not only added a rich texture to the spaces but also brought to life the regional character. The emphasis on regional themes, coupled with the celebration of local and minority artists, underscored Atrium Health’s deep-rooted commitment to its community. This approach was made possible by effective communication and coordination, which were crucial in supporting local artists and ensuring that the materials chosen for the artwork were not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and maintainable. The alignment of the artwork with the overall design scheme of Atrium Health’s facilities further reinforced a coherent and unified visual narrative, enhancing the overall experience for patients, visitors, and staff alike.

Interactive Project Gallery

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