In January 2024 we started with an interesting and exciting pilot project at the Oncology department of Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis (ETZ) with our collective Spaces for Well being (initiated by material research and design studio A+N, psychologist of senses and spaces Renske Bongers and sensorial curator Justine Kontou).

Phase 1: Preliminary Research
In the first phase of this project, we focused on preliminary research to gain a deeper understanding of the context of the oncology daycare treatment department. The goal was to learn about the users of the space and the interaction between the physical environment and behavior. What states of mind do we need to change or enhance?

To achieve this, we used various methods:

Focus groups: to learn more about the department and its daily operations.
Observations: to track behavior and the usage of the space.
Interviews: to understand the underlying emotions and behaviors of patients and staff.
This research gave us new insights into the department. Instead of solely finding fear, anxiety, and stress, we discovered that the space also holds hope and social support. Conversations and interactions between patients and staff bring comfort and a sense of humanity. This inspired us to think about how we could further enhance the feeling of social support and provide a sense of stability.

Phase 2: Concept Development and Prototyping
In the second phase, we translated our findings into a design concept. To create a sense of support and stability, we developed a concept based on the daily cycles in nature. Each day brings a new beginning, and the sun rises without fail, whether visible or not. This constancy provides a sense of reassurance.

Our concept included designing light installations such as Tidal Light and Glowing Colours, inspired by the calming effects of water and sunlight. According to theories like Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Biophilic Design, these 'soft fascinations' promote relaxation and reduce stress.

The Tidal Light installation reflects the way sunlight plays on the surface of water, while Glowing Colours features a dynamic play of light and color that changes throughout the day. Both installations are complemented by matching wall prints and poems, which emphasize natural elements and the value of social interaction. Next to each patient bed, we added experience boxes containing different scents and booklets with poems and nature-inspired images, giving patients the opportunity to find moments of calm and choice.

Phase 3: Researching Impact (ongoing)
Currently, we are in the phase of researching the impact of these changes. This includes:

Observations: to see how patients, visitors, and staff interact with the installations and experience boxes.
Questionnaires: distributed to both patients and staff to gather feedback on their experience of the department and the installations.
In-depth interviews: planned based on the results of observations and questionnaires to delve deeper into underlying experiences and motivations.

This project has been made possible by funding from the Impulsgelden by Kunstloc Brabant.

Special thanks to ETZ (Jose Krijnen, Marion Nuijten - de Rooij, and Jacqueline Kroot in particular), Kunstloc (among others Atty Bax and Anneke Moors for their advice and support) and Provincie Noord-Brabant for this opportunity and their support.
And thanks to Tom Bergman, Mirte van den Bos, Vescom, SOM tales of perfume, Anouk Stoffels, Screendruk Art, Booxs, Mark van Veen, Sense Company, LEDLABEL

Images by Sanne Kaal