02 October, 2018

Wall colour choice in a hospital!


I watched a hospital getting repainted in less than one month on the exterior walls, as the earlier paint did not seem to be appropriate. I am not sure whether the new colour is also patient friendly!

A hospital is a place where people come when they are anxious, disturbed or overtaken by their illness!

The interior of the hospital is of utmost significance to give a warm and inviting ambience. There are colours which lift the mood and perception of people who feel not so good. The wall pictures, captions or paintings too have an equally significant impact. 

The exterior gives a 'look' which too is important. I have recently observed the colours the hospitals use on the exterior in three cities and three suburban areas. I referred to a book on hospital architecture. It revealed a lot about the way the exterior can bring an 'expectant' mood as patents and relatives arrive. 

I also discovered from an artist in a hospital,  that the colour choice ought to be be for giving a feeling of wellness, and reducing anxiety. He talked about 'sobering' colours.

The hospital interior and exterior we work ought to represent the spirit of service and hope of healing! 

To me it has been an equally compelling concern as to how suitable we can make the interior and exterior to be inviting and comforting for children! That is a another bigger issue. When we let children choose the colour of the walls, they choose variably. When we let the professionals choose, they too have differing interests. So recently when we repainted the Child Development Centre and Early Learning Centre,  we ended up using two colours on the walls in each room to blend light and the ambience! 

I feel I am still on  a learning curve to make the ambience gentle, refreshing and warm for children!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)


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