Reimagining the hospital experience

Wanting to soften the hospital experience at the new Christchurch children’s unit, the Canterbury DHB (CDHB) worked closely with our design team to bring joy to patients during tough times and difficult hospital visits. 

When plans for the new Waipapa Christchurch Hospital were first approved and construction was underway, the CDHB brought our team on board to name the new children’s unit and design the interior brand expression. The aim was to soften the hospitalisation experience, making the new unit feel more like an escape, rather than a scary and intimidating place, and augmenting a more positive care experience for both the younger patients and their caregivers.

To build a brand that truly reflects the facility’s mission and patient profile, we kickstarted this project with extensive research. Our team hosted workshops and conducted interviews with the patients, parents, doctors and psychologists and made multiple visits to the existing unit to observe people inside and get a better understanding of how they interact within the space. 

After identifying that the old facility lacked engagement and identity, we created a central theme and creative concept to tie all aspects of the brand together. Inspired by our surroundings, we started the naming process by researching the history of the area and Matatiki (Māori for ‘spring of water’) was soon born. Its connotation towards wellbeing and rejuvenation as well as its representation of the ancient springs that historically surrounded the hospital site make it a timeless theme and fitting name for the children’s unit.  

Drawing on Matatiki, we concept themed the floors of the hospital in accordance with the river line, treeline and skyline to reflect the view as people move through the facility. Starting with the river line on the ground floor and moving up to the skyline at the very top, our design team illustrated more than 70 native birds, plants and insects to tie the theme of each floor together. 

Our illustrations, which were later incorporated into the curtains and decals for the different walls and windows, mirror the environment and bring elements of the outdoors inside. We left behind the static white walls and used a combination of calming colours in our designs to provide comfort to patients, families and staff and placed the illustrations strategically throughout the floors to help guide people inside the new unit. The designs have since been used by other DHBs across Aotearoa, making clinic visits easier for everyone involved. 

It was a pleasure working with the CDHB on this special project to support children and their whānau during tough times. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the DHB and leveraging design to effect positive change.