Colour design in healthcare environments

Fiona McLachlan

doi:10.2218/ED.9781836450238

Colour design in healthcare environments

Fiona McLachlan (Artist)

Edinburgh College of Art

Research output: Non-textual form › Design

Abstract

Colour research is challenging in field conditions, colour (as a product of light) constantly shifts with the changing light source. In an absence of reliable factual information, guidance tends to be followed in a dogmatic manner and predominately without professional design input, leading to dull, monotonous and under-stimulating environments. This is acutely significant in mental healthcare environments. This practice-led colour design research aims to challenge conventional guidance by employing architectural design knowledge to make site specific wall paintings within public and circulation spaces. Published output from the first project, in a dementia ward, led directly to the invitation by the Healthcare Trust to undertake the second project, as a pilot for the NHS to consider extending the strategic colour design to further areas of the estate.

Original language	English
Size	In situ installation at Royal Edinburgh Hospital
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.2218/ED.9781836450238
Publication status	Published - 21 Nov 2019

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

colour
architecture
healthcare

Access to Document

10.2218/ED.9781836450238Licence: Creative Commons: Attribution (CC-BY)

1 Conference contribution
1 Article

Colour collaboration: Architectural education and the Live Project
McLachlan, F., Dec 2018, In: University of Edinburgh Journal. 48, 4, p. 255-261
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Destinations and Directions: Colour and wayfinding for a dementia ward
McLachlan, F., 26 Nov 2018, Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference 2018. International Colour Association (AIC) , p. 645-650
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Open Access
File

Fiona McLachlan
- F.McLachlaned.acuk
- Edinburgh College of Art - Personal Chair in Architectural Practice
- Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Person: Academic: Research Active

Cite this

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title = "Colour design in healthcare environments",

abstract = "Colour research is challenging in field conditions, colour (as a product of light) constantly shifts with the changing light source. In an absence of reliable factual information, guidance tends to be followed in a dogmatic manner and predominately without professional design input, leading to dull, monotonous and under-stimulating environments. This is acutely significant in mental healthcare environments. This practice-led colour design research aims to challenge conventional guidance by employing architectural design knowledge to make site specific wall paintings within public and circulation spaces. Published output from the first project, in a dementia ward, led directly to the invitation by the Healthcare Trust to undertake the second project, as a pilot for the NHS to consider extending the strategic colour design to further areas of the estate. ",

keywords = "colour, architecture, healthcare",

author = "Fiona McLachlan",

note = "The portfolio documents two related practice-led colour research projects at the Royal Edinburgh Mental Health Hospital. This practice-led colour research employed architectural design knowledge and emerging on-site evidence to devise colour schemes and to make site specific wall paintings within shared areas and circulation spaces. Although guidance is available for care homes and hospitals it appears to be applied often without professional design input that can take into account light conditions, views in and out, and the social and cultural setting. Observations included monitoring the sun path, light quality, and room usage. Hand sketches were effective in communicating the conceptual ideas with small swatches of candidate paint colours. Newsletters at regular intervals kept staff, visitors and carers informed of the project and invited questions. Two themes emerged, namely {\textquoteleft}destinations{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}directions{\textquoteright}. Carers emphasized a need for spaces that are more homely and sophisticated, and small places within the circulation areas where patients can sit with their relatives. Feedback from the users indicated that a strong red and patterned wall panel seemed to act as a beacon and be sufficiently memorable to direct the patients at the most confusing intersections. Incidents (conflicts and arguments) were substantially reduced since the installation. Patients would sit with relatives in the circulation areas as well as within private rooms. Staff reported that the dispersal of the patients around the ward may have diffused tensions, and therefore reduced the number of incidents between patients and staff. The work has been disseminated through peer-reviewed written output while the colour design is experienced on a daily basis by the hospital community. The projects have been disseminated through academic outputs that challenge the prevailing {\textquoteleft}tick box{\textquoteright} approach to the use of colour in health care environments. ",

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AB - Colour research is challenging in field conditions, colour (as a product of light) constantly shifts with the changing light source. In an absence of reliable factual information, guidance tends to be followed in a dogmatic manner and predominately without professional design input, leading to dull, monotonous and under-stimulating environments. This is acutely significant in mental healthcare environments. This practice-led colour design research aims to challenge conventional guidance by employing architectural design knowledge to make site specific wall paintings within public and circulation spaces. Published output from the first project, in a dementia ward, led directly to the invitation by the Healthcare Trust to undertake the second project, as a pilot for the NHS to consider extending the strategic colour design to further areas of the estate.

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Colour design in healthcare environments

Abstract

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

Access to Document

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Research output

Colour collaboration: Architectural education and the Live Project

Destinations and Directions: Colour and wayfinding for a dementia ward

Profiles

Fiona McLachlan

Cite this