SKYLINE ART SERVICES
Firm's role on the project: Planning, Programming, Architecture, Design, Interiors
EBD Goal
To integrate a comprehensive art program into Fort Belvoir Community Hospital’s sophisticated way-finding system, designed to serve patients, family, and staff. To bring Fort Belvoir’s physical setting in line with its stated goal to foster a “culture of excellence,” and provide patient- and family-centered care.
Challenge
Fort Belvoir is one of the first integrated healthcare networks serving U.S. military active-duty service members, retired veterans, and their families to use evidence-based design methods. Fort Belvoir Community Hospital encompasses 1.2 million square feet and is comprised of five interconnecting “pavilions,” each with its own thematic identity. As part of an integrated way-finding system, the artwork participates in and supports a thematic structure encompassing subject, color, and orientation. At the same time, the selection, production, and placement of hundreds of art objects generate aesthetic interest and provide positive distraction through calming and inspirational natural subjects in a great variety of styles. One-third of the nearly 1,000 works of art installed at Fort Belvoir are integral to the facility’s way-finding strategy.
Solution
Way-finding functions, both locally and globally, reduce demands on hospital staff, reduce stress and misdirection among visitors, and orients all users according to the organization’s own branding strategy. The artwork, located in corridors, common areas, and lobbies that bridge neighboring pavilions, reflect broad thematic subjects and colors that orient patients and staff and indicate transition points between the five pavilions.
The thematic subjects of the way-finding program -- each a subject from nature -- granted opportunities to install artwork that incorporates calming natural imagery, which is a positive distraction that reduces pain and stress for patients and improves the outlook of the staff. The artwork also creates meaningful relationships to the plentiful views of the outdoors and natural light available in these areas.
The careful balance of creativity and consistency achieves and sustains aesthetic interest throughout the art program by sustaining curiosity. Patients, staff, and family members encounter a great variety of artwork, with a tremendous range in medium, scale, dimensionality, texture, and style.
A one-of-a-kind installation, including approximately 100 original works of art, identifies Fort Belvoir Community Hospital as a facility committed to excellence and devoted to its patients and their families.