CW+ was delighted to recently welcome Alchemic Sonic Environment (ASE) to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to share its innovative deep-listening experience, ‘Essence’, in an NHS healthcare setting for the first time.
Power of sound
Founded by composer and sound artist Satya Hinduja, Alchemic Sonic Environment (ASE) explores the transformative power of sound and its potential to reduce stress, promote relaxation and support healing processes.
Multi-sensory journey
Throughout the week-long residency organised by the CW+ Arts in Health Team, ASE showcased its use of emerging technology – including cutting-edge spatial audio and vibro-acoustics – in both individual and group settings, taking patients and staff on an immersive multi-sensory journey and testing new ways to use sound therapy in a busy hospital environment.
The week started and ended with the ASE team sharing ‘Essence’ with patients and staff on the wards. Other highlights included:
- CW+ MediCinema: Special group sessions for patients and staff.
- CW+ Greenhaven: Relaxing personalised experiences in the calm of the indoor garden.
- Hospital atrium: Surprise interactive performances to engage and relax visitors and staff.
Enhancing the hospital experience
Satya Hinduja said: ‘From the moment “Essence” came to life and its profound power was revealed, I became absolutely dedicated to bringing the transformative power of sound into a healthcare setting. We are incredibly grateful and proud to have joined forces with CW+ in our shared mission to enrich the lives of patients, staff, and the entire hospital community through the Alchemic Sonic Environment. As we eagerly anticipate our continued partnership, we’re enthusiastic about the potential of our combined efforts to establish the ASE Method as a form of therapy.’
Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient Environment at CW+, said: ‘At CW+, we are committed to enhancing the hospital experience by integrating the arts into patient care. We are proud to have partnered with ASE to bring this innovative approach to our hospital community, providing patients and staff with a calming sound therapy experience that focuses on their wellbeing.’
The residency was supported by the Hinduja Foundation and the Mukul Madhav Foundation.
