Hunt Design blends storytelling and technology in a heartwarming display
January 7, 2008 —Set against the stark, yet sophisticated backdrop of I.M. Pei’s architecture, UCLA recently unveiled a new interactive media “Welcome Wall” created to welcome children and families to its new Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA. Created by Pasadena-based Hunt Design, a leading graphic designer for buildings, spaces and places, the wall is an evolving stream of photos, children’s art and video content that projects stories about the people and programs at the hospital, along with messages of hope, healing and recovery.
“Making a positive, emotional connection with visitors to a children’s hospital presents obvious challenges,” said Wayne Hunt, Principal at Hunt Design. “In hindsight, using the latest technology to tell these incredible stories was the natural solution — it truly emulates what the hospital is all about.”
The large, curved wall fills the entry space with its super-graphic wallpaper, essentially creating a timeless canvas of motion via its projected imagery. Composed of 2 large plasma screens, 3 small LCD screens and 3 rear projection screens, the design approach thoughtfully blends the Mattel story and those of individual personalities, which are then choreographed with two overhead motion video projectors, sending imagery of butterflies, patient drawings, and key words telling the story.
“The space and media elements engage children and families while creating a special identity for the hospital,” said Jennifer Bressler, a principal at Hunt Design. “Our goal was for the wall to be a source of comfort for visitors and patients alike.”
Additionally, providing a special place for creative expression, a pillar alongside the “Welcome Wall” features a view port into which kids can peek and then find their own image projected on the wall…making it possible for the children to become a part of the wall themselves. As a fluid and flexible design solution, the “Welcome Wall’s” technology enables UCLA to change its content at any time, making it possible to show the most up-to-date information the hospital has to offer via video, live feed or projection.
Visuals are available upon request.
Contact:
Todd Hays
TODD Public Relations
626.345.0255
[email protected]