Greater Attention Paid to Artwork in Hospitals to Brighten Clients’ Experience
September 22nd, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Headline
When thinking about hospitals, most people aren’t too likely to call to mind anything about artwork, but the image of an austere or harsh-looking environment may come to the fore. In an effort to combat boring hospital artwork, a hospital art consulting firm along with university professors recently conducted a study on the effects of artwork on hospital clients. The study found that definite and engaging, rather than abstract pieces of artwork, produced happier reactions in clients overall. As many modern hospitals feature solely abstract designs, the study suggests a little decoration may be in order.
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4 comments so far
Abstracts are an acquired taste. I’m not keen on them. Why so many in a hospital? I thought perhaps the administration was attempting a subtle method of distraction. After all, if you’re in hospital either you or a loved one is not in the best of health. An abstract would give your mind another point of focus.
Art does have a very big part to play in shaping a person’s experience and this has been proved right by the study… Encouraging proverbs and other art have a great effect on young minds and as found by the study, definite and engaging art work has a good effect in hospitals, and this fact should be taken into consideration while doing the interiors of a health facility.
I dont agree more. Its nice to see a recognizable piece of art or even a painting that talks of everyday courtesies taken for granted. What better place to feel lighter than a hospital? I think it could be as therapeutic as having pet animals visit.
I guess it could help but personally I don’t go to hospitals to look at the art. This may have a lot of benefit on maybe the children’s floors but I do not see how this could make a difference in the hospital lobby for example. And I would hate to think that the reason my Tylenol pill costs $10 each is so that the hospital can aquire better artwork!