For this project, our team embarked on creating immersive, hand-illustrated storybook murals, designed to captivate and comfort. The storyline, conveyed through a series of short, engaging poems, was developed to accompany children as they journey through the hospital’s hallways. Starting with pencil sketches, we meticulously developed the artwork into vibrant, full-color murals over several months. Special attention was given to the characters—each child character was designed to be diverse and relatable, while their imaginary friends added a touch of whimsy and comic relief. Every character underwent multiple refinements, with detailed character sheets ensuring consistency across the mural series.
Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping our designs. While still in the sketching phase, we conducted a session with the doctors and nurses who would be working in the new Neurology Institute, we even had a few pediatric patients attend. Large boards displaying our sketches allowed attendees to participate in a dot polling exercise, selecting their favorite children’s characters, imaginary friends, and fantastical settings. This approach not only informed our creative decisions but also fostered a sense of ownership among the hospital staff and patients.
We designed our clinic space with the help of our patients, parents, and our team members who’ve helped thousands of children facing neurological diagnoses. We’ve built this space to bring all of our specialists and disciplines together seamlessly. —Tena Rosier, MD, Medical Director, Division of Neurology
From the main waiting area’s treehouse “home base” to the individual patient rooms, every detail was carefully considered to create a truly immersive experience. The clinic side features an “Under the Sea” theme, designed to be both adventurous and encouraging for repeat visitors. The surgery side showcases an “Up in the Air” theme, with softer colors and calming imagery to reassure patients before procedures.
By providing different possible story outcomes in each patient room, we ensured that every visit offered something new to discover. Our goal was to transform necessary hospital stays into opportunities for exploration and hope, providing comfort and calm through visual storytelling. These murals not only brighten the hospital environment but also serve as a powerful tool for distraction and emotional support, helping young patients navigate their medical journeys with courage and imagination.
Our neurological institute is bringing the most leading edge care model to patients and their families, and we designed this space to let us grow to meet the needs of our community now and for the future. —Susan Durham, MD, Co-Director, Neurological Institute Chief, Division of Neurosurgery