Nightingale MacMillan UnitArt Enhancements - Focus Group Report

Prepared by Fi Burke - November 2013

The Purpose of the Focus Groups –

 To find out how art might help improve/benefit the patient and visitor experience of the spaces that lead up to and include the NMU. To find out what kind of art would enhance spaces and what might not. One of the known opportunities is to make it clearer for drivers to find entrance 24 from the main hospital

entrance so a beacon piece of art may be one solution.The outcomes of the Focus Group ‘conversations’ will inform the type of art that will get commissioned and therefore how

the spaces will be transformed.

Focus Groups were consulted during September & October 2013

Who was involved? Focus Groups were made up of patients, relatives, carers, staff,

volunteers and Creative Workers.  

Each session was facilitated by Fi (Visual Arts Lead Artist – Engage Programme) and Mike Wilson (Poet). When

appropriate, the artists were dressed up in a low key but humorous manner complete with French berets, artist’s smocks

and paint brushes!  

Sessions took place in meeting rooms and the day unit.

How? Each session was facilitated with a mix of visuals and words to enable as many participants as possible to input and be ‘heard’

and to encourage lively debate. 

Sessions were introduced as follows-It is recognised that we could do more to benefit the patient

journey to and in NMU, to make it easier for families and visitors to find the NMU, for the spaces to be more inviting. We would like to find out how you think artistic interventions could

enhance your experience in these spaces? In keeping with Welcome & Reassure. 

Each group was then shown a series of visual images projected onto the wall and questions were asked throughout and *recorded by one of the facilitators. The participant’s

responses are summarised and quoted in the sections below with blue text representing important suggestions or

perspectives to take forward. There are also some observations prepared by Fi at the end.

*available in a supplementary document.

 

Responses are summarised as follows . . . .

Section 1 – Current Spaces This section was all about establishing the context of the project, referencing the exact spaces and how people feel about them as well as developing critical analysis of art works and environments.  We asked –

What would help your experience?What would make you feel more welcome?Generally speaking, what visuals can change an experience of a space? Can you Identify any current issues about these spaces, how they look, how they are found (or not!), how they feel and at difference times of the day/night. What works well?

Entrance 24

In general, this area was not seen positively by anyone consulted. Instead it is seen as a cluttered “dumping ground” which is plain and bland with nothing natural to soften the edges. Most people said it feels cold (in both senses), uninviting and busy in every sense of the word.Most people thought that It would feel and look better if it’s function wasclearly defined and if the art could help with the function as well as Aesthetically. Natural forms and colours would make it feel more welcoming e.g. an aquariumAs it can be as busy as the main entrance and entrance 9, it would benefit from clearer signs and being ‘manned’ by volunteers.It needs to be decluttered.

The Gated Entrance (and garden ) to the Day Unit

Most people (if not all) thought that the gate can be a confusing entrance at first, that the gates look sinister but they do a good job of givinga sense of security & safety combined with an openness. The garden is valued highly by patients and staff and is sometimes the only view of the sky – a precious thing.

Most people (if not all) want to continue to have some open gates, either by enhancing the current ones or making replacements.Ideas included adding lights, artwork, restful messages, symbols and/or referencing the screens in the garden itself.

The Corridors

There were no universally strong thoughts or feelings on the corridors but questions were raised around current visual signposting e.g. eachfloor of the building is colour coded, does the coding have the impact itshould/was intended to have? Could the coding system be clearer for Vvisitors and patients?It was mentioned on several occasions that at the old City Hospitalthere were coloured lines on the floor that were used as a guide.

There is a need for clearer visual signposting and more use of colour.“It would be good to focus on the signposts at the main entrance and Entrance 24 as a priority as it will benefit all users not just the unit visitors. “it is the start of all our journeys in this place”“The corridors need bigger more defined images”

Outside

Most people did not comment on the colour or look of the outside of the building itself, one person likes the gradations of colour on the façade on the outside of the main building though.Most people like the existing wicker work sculptures.It was a concern that the Breast Screening lorry could block the view of a beacon piece.Something that lights up at night was favoured, with light being seen as a symbol.

Everyone felt that there needs to be much clearer signposting from outside to the Unit. Bigger and better! It was noted that drivers often overshoot and have to go around the whole site again.

Inside

Everyone likes the fish tank actually inside the NMU.Some people have noticed the AIR arts exhibitions in the corridors. “I do like the ever changing art works, it should be on our walls too.”

Suggestions for the future included - How about using the existing identities like the daffodils and the live fish to connect with the outside? And make use of what is here already.Consider our background colours e.g. lilac so they don’t clash. Colours are floor specific so probably can’t be changed.The existing Daffodil design was inspired by the floor tiles from the old hospitalSite. A member of staff wanted to use the tiles to represent….. “threshold is journey in and a journey out”

nb the Nightingale Macmillan logo is green.

Responses are summarised as follows . . . .

Section 2 – Famous Art This section looked at famous works of art to further develop critical analysis and to act as points of reference for dialogue. We asked -  What do you think when you look at these images?What do they make you think about?How do they make you feel?What is beautiful to you? What does art mean to you?

Monet

Monet’s picture above was liked by everyone.People described it as feeling gentle, soft, relaxing, tranquil, calming.They felt that green, flowers and water are always calming.One person liked the symbolism of the bridge as part of a journey.Another stated “ I’m not into art but I love it”.

Van Gogh

Nobody liked Van Gogh’s Starry Night.It was found to be too dark, nightmare-ish, symbolising confusion. Some thought it looked like a storm brewing so it would not be appropriate for a hospital.

Local Artist Joseph Wright

Joseph Wright’s Orrery – this painting was recognised by a few people. The lighting reminded Harold (the Chaplain) of something he says to patients “in the darkness there is a star, a candle or a moon”. Most felt that it was good to have a local connection but that the darkness might not appeal to all. Children were felt to be ok but could also be sad too.Some liked the fact there are different generations in the picture.It provoked some thoughts about art being open to interpretation…..“when you know what something means, it changes how you feel about it”“what you see depends on your situation at the time”.

Turner

Turner’s Haywain was universally liked. For a few people, it held a childhood memory “it makes me feel like I am 7 again as it was in our living room”.Other comments included….. “It is old fashioned”.“Patients can miss their gardens, it is peaceful and good to see the sky”. “Nice, I always think water is peaceful.”“Sky looks lovely” (so clouds were not seen as ominous)“Lots to look at, restful”.

Other

Nobody liked Dali’s surrealism or the reference to time.

Most people loved the warmth and colours in the Klimt –and the hug symbolised togetherness.

Only one person found the Pollock interested, “its like clouds - you can make of it what you want”.  

Nudity in art was seen as a ‘no’ for the hospital.

“Whatever we end up with should give people the chance for their own interpretation yet it shouldn’t need explaining”.

Responses are summarised as follows . . . .

Section 3 – Iconic Art This section explored how a piece of art (whether liked or not) can become iconic We asked –

What art do you remember?What is memorable? What qualities do some of the traditional ‘iconic’ images have?How do they act as cultural references? e.g. advert styles, Heinz Beans, logos, Campbell’s SoupWhat qualities do some of the Modern/Contemporary ‘iconic’ images have? e.g Apple, Nike.What Qualities are needed?

The Angel of the North

The AON was recognised (but not necessarily liked) by everyone.“I don’t get the Angel of the North but it is symbolic and everybody knows it “. “ It tells you exactly where you are, everybody looks for it. A powerful beacon, but !”“A ridiculous thing but you know it!”

“Perhaps for a hospital setting, open arms would be better if more forward facing”. 

Birmingham’s Bull, Derby’s Ram

The Bull was seen as threatening by some yet representing a successful and strong Birmingham by others. It was felt that bronze equates to strength. Some people thought it has tactile appeal and want to touch it.

Opinions were divided about Derby’s symbolic ram.

“I like the waterfall in Derby market place”.

Apples and Pears

Apple (and the Guinness Toucan/harp) were regarded as clever images…..simple and with no words needed.The nostalgia of Pear’s was seen as comforting to all generations.

It was noted that there are comforting words behind reception in NMU but nobody could remember what they are!

Other

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, all of Monet and Banksy’s works were seen as memorable by some.

“Why not have a big sign saying simply “welcome”!?

It would be good to be able to say “follow the……”

Most (if not all) people like art that makes them smile.Comments included – A smile is infectious. Humour and art is a good thing but the tone needs to be right.

“I like to try and work it out, something to make me stop and think”.“Needs to be inviting to counteract any misunderstood perceptions of the NMU so it is not as daunting, especially the corridors”.

Responses are summarised as follows . . . .

Section 4 - Derbyshire & Symbolism This section looked at what might represent Derbyshire and what qualities might work in a hospital setting too. We asked –

What represents Derby/Peak District/Derbyshire?What symbolises the hospital? / The Unit?

What represents Derbyshire?

The following are the things people felt would represent Derbyshire best –

Trees

Dry stone

Industrial & metal

The Carsington Water Ball

The Millstones used to show you are entering the Peak District parks.

Stone Shapes

Most people liked the stone shapes.It was felt that the arch shape could be seen as a tunnel to a potentially unknown future whereas a bridge is more positive, especially if in different colours. A few people mentioned there love of rainbows, the way they just appear.

Most people like the wall tree but one thought it looked like an assault course.

Trees – these were generally seen as positive and good symbolism.

Heads

Two heads were generally seen as a good thing if there were in conversation because they about people which could reflect the nature of the unit. Most people liked the quality of being able to see through the sculptures but also noted that the setting in the above images is slightly different to a hospital!

Some were not so sure about using heads. Others thought you could add sound and light from inside - like they are talking.

Animals

Most people found the stags and horses to be beautiful sculptures and in particular felt that ‘less is more’.

One person didn’t like the idea of animals but thought birds might be ok.

Words

Most people liked the curve of words but felt it could be better if the text was more open, the natural rocks were very well liked. Some felt the curve of walls looked a little like a memorial though. Others saw it as a good space to sit and reflect especially if it had some some key words “Would it be better in glass?”.

IF we use words like the LOVE Sculpture, it was felt that we would need to be more subtle. The LOVE sculpture maybe a bit too literal.

Other

The Rust tree – a lot of people liked it because they felt it represented how the unit ‘holds’ people together and is about people.

The dry stone wall horse had lots of approval.

There was divided opinion on the use of wind chimes and mosaics.

Other continued

Most people love or like the Wicker work “I love the wicker work we have at RDH but its been done already”

Some people felt very strongly that the beacon piece outside should be something to do with the MacMillan nurses, something to do with caring, a tribute to the working nurses. Florence Nightingale, Queen Vic, lamp in her pocket….. It was felt that the Ram can reflect Derby but it would be better to have something linked to nursing to reflect the work of the unit, symbolising caring. “You want something that reflects and celebrates what is good about Derby”. 

Responses are summarised as follows . . . .

Section 5 - Qualities In this section we try to breakdown art works into their qualities to identify what qualities we would consider to be essential. We looked at –

• - Colour• - Light• - Pattern• - Texture• - Shapes• - Materials• Scale and size

We asked the groups to think about the current spaces, and highlight anything that would feel uncomfortable, calm, serenewelcoming, confident you’re going to find your way  

Colour

Yellow was considered to be calm but not necessarily warm.Nearly everyone found the ‘Heart’ painting appealing as it seemed happy.One worry was that Derbyshire stone might be too grey.Blue –some thought was too wintryRed – was seen as fiery, not very calming and implying “alert”Rothko chapel – purple is known to be calming and it is used in the unit but it can induce nausea so it has been toned down.A lilac or pastel variation was seen as better because purple can be quite oppressive.

Light, Pattern, Materials

Light“Impressionism means you can see whatever you want, different things on different occasions” PatternPeople felt that they don’t want anything too busy or chaotic. MaterialsIt was felt that faces like the above would be inappropriate.

Scale/Size/ Welcoming/Beacon

With the exception of one person, the dandelion was lovedand had the most positive reactions.

“love it, beautiful, like the seeds flying off to settle somewhere else, soothing shape, everybody knows what it is”

“The steel symbolises strength and will look good at night too - you could light it up with colour, it works on a number of levels”

“this works…it floats off and starts something else…comforting not frightening”

Other

Humour was seen as an important quality by most but it was also noted that it can very personal – it can be how you deal with situations and how can anything humorous suit all?

 

Responses are summarised as follows . . . .

Section 6 – Group Summaries In this section, we consolidated thoughts and asked each group to think about what they felt was important. We also asked about –

FunFunctionNaturalness of materialsLasting and sustainabilityInteractive qualitiesShape, style and beautyThought provokingSignpostingDoes it need to ‘work’ at all times of day? What times of day would it be seen most?Would it work for children? (or only children? Or only adults?)]  

Fun

There was a thumbs up to something that brings a smile but it doesn’t have to be fun or too quirky like the above.

“Humour is Important but silly is a ‘no’!”

Function & Interaction

Anything interactive (like the tiled trees above) would need to be clean and for most people interactivity wasn’t seen as a priority.

Images of Derbyshire life were suggested for the corridor walls as we have beautiful countryside. But will the impact be gone after a week!? It was felt that we would need to be able to change that sort of visual or it becomes like “wallpaper”!There needs be consistency – linking the corridors to the outside.

Some felt that sound would be a good addition to inside & outside.

Naturalness/Lasting/Sustainability

Low maintenance, durability and holding up to the elements seemed more important than the use of natural materials.

Some thought though that natural materialswould chime with the essence of the unit andwould work well as they would blend in.

Shape/Style/Beauty

It is important that it is –Not an eyesoreIt is simple and is universally interconnected Large enough to make an impact

Suggestions included –Colour is very immediate and very importantI would like glass and colour and light shining throughWhy not a giant Florence Nightingale pointing, she represents the hospital not just the unit,?

Thought Provoking/Signpost day/night

For the beacon piece, everyone felt that it needs to be easily named.Some thought iconic was something toaim for as well. “It needs to reflect the unit, not the city or region”.“Light is a symbol”

Other

It needs to be relevant, have meaning and be understandableThe dandelion would be beautiful, functional, a signpost and natural.Hope, safety, welcome, peaceful

 The beacon piece needs to be to do with nursing or caring to be universalWhat is the symbol for the unit? The tiles on floor? Mustn’t confuse withthe daffodil for the charity. 

Observations:

The qualities that stood out as being important to incorporate in the art works –

CalmingRepresenting the unit/caring/nursesUniversal appeal like the DandelionNo need to explain the work and with the ability to say follow the….The use of light at night.DurabilityNatural forms and warmer colours in Entrance 24SoftnessDecluttering Entrance 24A more appealing gate to the Day unit

continued……….

Conclusion continued . . .

Some, appropriate humourSymbolisng strengthRepresenting Derbyshire and using Derbyshire stone/materials.Journeys/Bridges/Trees/People in conversation.AnimalsTextUsing existing designs in the Units to tie in with.Imagery of water and sky

Attributes to avoid and to be mindful of -Red, blackStill facesSurrealismToo abstractNudity