Hydrangea Variations
Permanent Site-Specific Installation:
Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Women’s Auxillary Chemotherapy Wing
Grinnell, IA
1,300 square foot installation including 30 etched windows, hand-painted murals, and dimensional wall reliefs.
Etched glass, wall paint, sintra.
2013
The Grinnell Regional Medical Center prioritizes art as an integral element in their healing and work environments. After consultations with the CEO, Kevin White Architects , doctors, nurses, and staff, the plan for Hydrangea Variations was implemented. Hydrangea blooms were chosen as the motif because they are a robust flower that stands all winter after blooming. This internal strength was an important element in designing a healing space for patients over multiple visits. By bringing nature into the space, a calm environment was created for the nurses who work here every day.
With multiple windows in the space, patients needed the space to feel private. By etching the glass, natural dappled light created an outdoor feel while simultaneously obscuring views from the parking lot. Etching the glass cast botanical shadows in the room over the course of a sunny day. During dark winter afternoons the patterns look like frost on the glass. The space feels beautiful in any season, in any kind of light.
PRESS:
Kehoe, Bob, “Chemotherapy Infusion Suite Design Brings Sense of Healing,” Health Facilities Management Magazine, April 5, 2017
DiNardo, Ann, “Healing Masterpiece,” Healthcare Design, September 22, 2015