Innovative Poznań clinic introduces enormous ‘holistic art’ sculpture to help soothe patients
A health clinic in Poznań has turned to art in an effort to create a more holistic experience for its patients.
Resembling an art gallery rather than a doctor’s office, visitors to the ProfMedica clinic are greeted by a three storey atrium at the centre of which stands a monumental sculptural composition wall reaching to the top of the third floor.
Created by renowned Warsaw-born sculpture artist Tomasz Gόrnicki, the piece was inspired by the artist’s interpretation of forms found in rocky landscapes.
Created by renowned Warsaw-born sculpture artist Tomasz Gόrnicki, the piece was inspired by the artist’s interpretation of forms found in rocky landscapes.
It was also designed to highlight the rays of sunlight coming through the clinic’s roof skylight by day and to allow light from artificial lights to seep through the cracks in the sculpture by nightfall.
The piece was also designed to highlight the rays of sunlight coming through the clinic’s roof skylight by day and to allow light from artificial lights to seep through the cracks in the sculpture by nightfall.
Adam Pulwicki, CEO at architect firm Pulva which presided over the design, told Propertydesign.pl magazine: “Our overarching assumption was to gain a sense of visual cohesion as well as comfort, values which are quite often far from the standard solutions and the unwelcoming sterility which we normally associate with healthcare building.
“From the beginning of conversations with the investor we put emphasis on minimalism, carefully constructed lighting as well as introducing art as a key element giving the space its distinctive character.”
Adam Pulwicki, CEO at architect firm Pulva which presided over the design said: “Our overarching assumption was to gain a sense of visual cohesion as well as comfort, values which are quite often far from the standard solutions and the unwelcoming sterility which we normally associate with healthcare building.
He added: “Since the main wall sculpture of the atrium constitutes the central point of the design, the remaining elements of the space, within themselves, contain a minimal amount of messages and stimuli.”
Alongside the monumental artwork of Gόrnicki, the paintings of established Poznań artist Katarzyna Zygadlewicz make up the second key artistic element of the clinic’s space in the waiting room.
Alongside the monumental artwork of Gόrnicki, the paintings of established Poznań artist Katarzyna Zygadlewicz make up the second key artistic element of the clinic’s space in the waiting room.
The colourful works are intended to catch the eye of waiting patients and capture their attention with their carefully thought-through intense colour compositions, drawings and textures, which are emphasised by carefully planned lighting.
Pulwicki said: “Every project created by Pulva is formulated around people, emotions, life and nature. We believe that such interiors are needed, because they give people, not only the necessary functionality, but also a sense of inner peace and harmony.”
The colourful works are intended to catch the eye of waiting patients and capture their attention with their carefully thought-through intense colour compositions, drawings and textures, which are emphasised by carefully planned lighting.
Recognition of the benefits art can bring to health has been increasing over the years and in April 2021 the WHO announced its involvement in a major project to “explore effective and sustainable strategies for integrating arts and culture into the wider health-care sector.”
In Poland, projects such as an art therapy project between the University Hospital of Krakow with the MOCAK Museum of Modern Art which saw the museum creating an exhibition at the hospital, also reflect a growing belief in the importance of the benefits of the placement of art in healthcare settings.
