CW+ has unveiled Flow, a captivating new interactive art installation at West Middlesex University Hospital. Designed to create moments of calm and reflection, Flow transforms one of the hospital’s busiest areas into a soothing, interactive environment for patients, staff and visitors.
A new chapter in immersive healing art
Commissioned as part of our award-winning Arts in Health programme, Flow is the latest evolution of the Immersive Healing Art System (IHAS), first introduced at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in 2021. This latest iteration builds on feedback from patients and staff, ensuring the experience is responsive to the needs of the hospital community.
Inspired by nature, powered by technology
Inspired by the natural movement of water, Flow is a living artwork that responds in real time to environmental conditions such as light, temperature and sound. It also reacts to the presence and gestures of passers-by, creating ripples and waves that shift in colour and brightness. This dynamic interaction offers a calming, personalised experience.
‘Flow offers a moment of pause and reflection in the fast-paced setting of a hospital,’ says Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient Environment at CW+. ‘By incorporating real-time data and interactive technologies, this piece encourages mindfulness and a deeper awareness of one’s state of being – something we believe is essential for both patient recovery and staff wellbeing.’
A creative collaboration
The installation was developed in collaboration with Studio Inneract, a London-based digital art studio led by Zheyuan Zhang, who is also pursuing a PhD in digital mental health and wellbeing technology design with CW+ and Imperial College London’s Dyson School of Design Engineering.
‘Our aim with Flow is to bring the therapeutic power of interactive and visual art into healthcare spaces,’ says Zheyuan. ‘By merging technology, art and design, we hope to create environments that adapt to various contexts and actively engage visitors. We hope our work will offer moments of peace and contemplation in a busy healthcare setting.’
Enhancing the hospital experience
Flow is now a permanent feature at West Middlesex University Hospital. It is the latest addition to CW+’s Arts in Health programme, which brings together art, design and creative technology in our hospitals, enhancing the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.
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