UCA Graphic Design Students Transform Frimley Park Hospital with Calming Ocean Mural

Young patients visiting Frimley Park Hospital now have a vibrant and soothing ocean scene to greet them, thanks to the collaboration between University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and Frimley Health Charity. The charity tasked UCA’s Graphic Design students with creating a unique visual identity for the hospital's paediatric Emergency Department waiting area, using an ‘under the sea’ theme to provide a calm and engaging environment for children.

Out of 50 participating students, Lauren Baker and Gemma Radley-Martin were selected as the winners for their captivating and thoughtful design. Inspired by the Great Barrier Reef and children’s films like Finding Nemo, Gemma dressed sea animals in hospital scrubs, each labeled with different medical staff roles, adding a personal and playful touch to the mural. Lauren, passionate about painting seascapes, created a colorful and immersive scene filled with flowing colors and underwater creatures, aiming to inspire both wonder and calm in young viewers.

This project not only provided the students with valuable real-world experience, but also made a significant impact on the hospital's environment, turning the waiting area into a vibrant and comforting space for children and their families. Jing Dai, an MA Graphic Design student,contributed further by designing colorful panels to brighten up the hospital’s newly opened stroke therapy garden.

David Shaw, Programme Director for UCA’s Graphic Design program, highlighted how working with Frimley Park Hospital allowed students to solve real-world design challenges while considering practical implications for hospital users. Such projects also give students professional experience with live industry briefs, enhancing their portfolios and preparing them for future careers in the creative industries.