CONNECT has worked with leading national and international artists, as well as with many local artists, arts organisations, and community members to create original works that ‘Connect with Place’, celebrating Brighton, Sussex, the coast, and the unique character and cultures of the communities who live here.
CONNECT aims to support the wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff by making the hospital feel more welcoming, providing distraction and enjoyment, and ensuring people feel cared for.
In creating a space where people can view work by both internationally renowned and local artists, CONNECT also creates a legacy for the city and enhances civic pride.
Welcome space
Artist Kate Blee was appointed early in the hospital design to engage with BDP Architects on the design of the main welcome space. This early involvement from the artist influenced the design of the main reception desk, the acoustic baffling that hangs above, and the colour scheme for the entire building.
Blee also created ‘Wrapped’, a composition of hand-made ceramic tiles that wrap the columns throughout the welcome space.
Art and wayfinding
Large-scale illustrations depicting local landmarks from Brighton, Sussex and the local coastline have been placed in all the lift lobbies and department entrances to make it easier to find your way around.
Each lift core has its own collection and colour scheme:
- The lift lobbies in turquoise lift core A all depict images of the coast.
- The lift lobbies in the yellow lift core B all depict images of Sussex
- The lift lobbies in the pink lift core C all depict images of Brighton
Using artworks alongside signage not only makes finding your way around easier, but it also makes your journey around the hospital more interesting and enjoyable.
Photography waiting room project
The CONNECT Waiting Rooms Photography Project was delivered in partnership with Brighton-based charity Photoworks to deliver a permanent collection of photographs for each of the 36 public waiting rooms in the new hospital.
Four photographers – Helen Sear, Murray Ballard, Zoe Childerley and Celine Marchbank – were commissioned to create a collection of photographs that reflect Brighton, Sussex, the South Downs, and the coast.
Each photographer researched locations across the county and worked directly with local communities to develop a collection of images to enliven the waiting rooms and be a source of contemplation and pleasure for patients, visitors and staff.