Ocean scene greets young Frimley patients
thanks to UCA collaboration

Young patients waiting to be seen at Frimley Park Hospital will have a colourful and calming welcome, thanks to artwork by Graphic Design students from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).

09 Dec 2024

The Frimley Health Charity (the official charity for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust) briefed around 50 BA (Hons) Graphic Design students to create a welcoming and engaging visual identity with an ‘under the sea’ theme for the hospital’s paediatric Emergency Department waiting area at Frimley Park.

Emma Carr, Arts and Creative Health Manager at the Frimley Health Charity, who helped set the brief, said: “We wanted some unique artwork that would help distract and create a calm environment for our young patients. We were keen to reach out to the local community and by connecting with UCA were able to request something bespoke for the space. It allowed us to mentor students on a real-life project – it was perfect.

“The quality of student work was outstanding, and they showed such resilience and determination when the project brief changed. The doctors, nurses, and clinical teams love the work and already see delight in the patients.”

Lauren Baker and Gemma Radley-Martin were the winning students who best answered the brief. The duo then worked together on a cohesive design for the space.

“I took inspiration from the Great Barrier Reef and kids’ movies like Finding Nemo to help build the scene,” said Gemma. “I also dressed up some of the sea animals in different coloured hospital scrubs with name badges to describe what type of medical staff they were.

“I feel proud that I’ve used my skills for a purpose that will positively impact a lot of people.”

Lauren added: “The ocean is inherently captivating and full of life, which can inspire wonder and calm – qualities that are especially valuable in a space for children. From my passion and love for painting seascapes with its flowing colours, underwater creatures and whimsical details, I created a fun, immersive and stimulating mural. This experience has significantly enhanced my ability to work professionally.”

The installation of the student artwork is now complete, including some additional artwork by MA Graphic Design student, Jing Dai, who created colourful panels to brighten up the hospital’s new stroke therapy garden.

David Shaw, Programme Director of Graphic Design at UCA, said: “Working with our local NHS hospital was a brilliant opportunity for our students to solve a real problem with design. Students had to think harder about the practical implications of their work and the hospital users. This involved research visits to the hospital to observe the environment and talk to people.

“Working with real clients while studying gives students invaluable experience of the unexpected twists and turns of a live industry project and can bolster student portfolios – this is invaluable to working in the creative industries.”

To learn more about studying graphic design at UCA, visit the course pages.