Upon entering the newly renovated Pediatric Infusion Center and Specialties Clinic suite in UF Health Shands’ Children’s Hospital, one is greeted by four furry/feathered faces. These are the faces of the three commissioned prints by AIM Artist in Residence and printmaker Molly Kempson. The displayed works feature a black bear, whitetail fawn, and a pair of eastern screech owls.
The renovation, completed in late December of 2018, came in response to a need for physical space for waiting areas and patient rooms, and a unification of the infusion and specialty patient populations in a single location. Molly’s pieces contribute to the woodland flora and fauna design theme of the Infusion Center and Clinic.
“Research shows nature themes in healthcare environments can provide a positive distraction for patients and their families,” Robyn May, of UF Health Shands’ Interior Design team, said on the decision to use Florida wildlife as the theme for the suite, effectively bring the outdoors inside.
“The UF Health Children’s Hospital’s overall design theme centers on Florida’s wide array of ecosystems and is introduced at the first floor lobby. The fourth floor’s design focus is Florida forests and the way-finding floor icon is the deer. The Pediatric Infusion Center was the first opportunity for the design team to utilize this concept.
The unit’s entry wall features watercolor, “hand drawn” graphics of animals found in north central Florida forests – each animal is placed in a circle of bold color to mimic the lobby’s animal wall. This circle-animal design motif continues to the reception desk, nurse station façade, and artwork to reinforce the unit’s identity. Behind the nurse station, Molly’s bold, intricate linocut prints finish the space and provide a glimpse of Florida wildlife in their habitats.”
Click here to read more about the unit’s renovation.