A carefully designed environment can make a huge difference to young patients’ wellbeing. Discover how CW+ helped to create a calming, engaging and supportive space for children and teenagers.
The Reuben Young People’s Centre at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, part of our innovative Best For You programme, was created thanks to a generous donation from the Reuben Foundation.
The redesign was led by internationally renowned architects White Arkitekter, who specialise in creating thoughtful and innovative spaces for young patients and worked collaboratively with the CW+ Arts in Health Team. The goal was to make the ward feel welcoming, calm and therapeutic for all young people, no matter the reason for their admission.
Research shows that a well-designed environment can have a huge impact on recovery, especially for children and young people who may feel anxious or overwhelmed in hospital settings. Recently, a Health Services Safety investigations Body (HSSIB) report and Lancet article have acknowledged the need to improve physical environments on acute paediatric wards to better support young people with mental health needs.
Gone are the stark white walls and clinical feel – in their place are natural finishes, soft textures, and vibrant artwork designed to reduce stress and create a more positive atmosphere.
Young people often face heightened anxiety and distress in hospital settings, so the philosophy behind the work was to create a space that feels less like a hospital and more like a place of comfort and healing. Every design choice was made with patients’ wellbeing in mind
CW+ worked closely with clinicians, the hospital’s Play Team and the project architects to rethink the ward’s layout. The redesign improves functionality, enhances patient flow and turns the Reuben Young People’s Centre into an imaginative, child-friendly environment.
The transformation aimed to make the ward more comfortable, accessible and inclusive for children and young people being cared for in hospital under West London Children’s Healthcare, which brings together specialist services for children across Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Art played a key role in transforming the ward. CW+ commissioned two artist practices, Sas & Yosh and Jo Peel, to create murals and wayfinding inspired by the spectacular London views from the fourth floor of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Their work brings the ward to life with colourful, engaging designs that appeal to both younger children and teenagers. The Best For You colour palette, which was developed with input from young people, ties everything together to create a warm, uplifting space.
Sas & Yosh’s playful, abstract motifs and Jo Peel’s detailed cityscapes complement each other beautifully, creating distinct but connected spaces that feel both fun and calming
The transformation of the ward wasn’t just about aesthetics – it was about making the space work better for young people, families and staff. Some of the key features include:
All images: Damian Griffiths
This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible collaboration between CW+, the hospital’s clinical teams, and our dedicated project partners. Together, we’ve created a space where young patients feel more comfortable, supported and at ease during their hospital stay.
The redeveloped ward is so much warmer and more welcoming – it’s light and bright, with little touches that make it feel less clinical and more young-person-friendly. The playroom has sensory equipment and a playhouse, and there’s a common room where young people can chill and play video games. Not one inch has been missed – CW+ has helped to create a better environment for everyone
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