Atlanticare
Overview.
AtlantiCare, stationed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is an institution that maintains a healthy community with its wide variety of medical services. Within this foundation is the AtlantiCare Pediatric Wing, which serves patients ranging from newborns to young adults.
Project.
We were approached by AtlantiCare’s Development & Cultural Project Manager with the exciting prospect of creating a series of murals for their pediatric wing. Although their ward had been previously detailed with oceanic mosaics of sea life, the client wanted to create more of a visual experience that would captivate and inspire the young patients.
Team.
Design – Kelly Nichols
Elevation Framework – Laura Hicklin
Agency – Pixel Parlor
Direction – Kelly Nichols, Jenn Richey-Nicholas
Photography – Sahar Coston-Hardy
Awards.
2020 American Graphic Design Award (Graphic Design USA)
I entered this project with the goal to fully-transform the space with interactive elements, whimsical illustrations, and small secrets in every corner. I first became acquainted with the ward through blueprints and photos so that I could understand how each wall interacted with the next. Once I was familiar with the area, I carefully sketched and detailed each wall scene by scene, taking care to include as much humor and life as I could fit. These basic sketches, which resembled a children’s coloring book, was the first step to designing the mural.
The main challenge of this project was to create a cohesive piece that would wrap around the entirety of the wing, while softening up a space that is initially intimidating for children. This was achieved by creating the illusion that the patient was surrounded by a welcoming seascape that would drift further out to sea as they walked to the back of the ward. I created an initial concept that I believed would be the embodiment of the mural, which was an orange octopus flying a kite across the seascape. Once this scene was created, I broke it down into a color palette of six main colors, which were then used throughout the rest of the wing to keep it consistent.
The final mural spans 21 walls and gives patients the illusion that they are starting at the Atlantic City pier and are descending deeper into the ocean as they walk through the unit. The very front of the ward features a seaside landscape, which includes the local imagery of: the wildlife, Lucy the Elephant, the Atlantic City pier, and the ocean. Accompanying the boardwalk illustration was a simple I-Spy game, which invites waiting patients to try and find several hidden objects throughout the mural. From the coast, patients are lead deeper into the back of the ward, where they are rewarded with a monkey exploring in a submarine and an undersea castle.
Other scenes include: An underwater concert played by “The Deep Blue Sea”, a bird driving a speedboat, a hang gliding monkey, an octopus doctor treating a patient, a pirate walrus finding a whale, a dolphin drinking water near a water fountain, Seahorse Cove, and much more!
All photography ©Sahar Coston-Hardy
Click the arrows to view the full gallery!
All photography ©Sahar Coston-Hardy
Coloring book.
After the walls were installed, including a section of ceiling above the examination table, the client requested that we transform the entirety of the mural into a coloring book. The Land and Sea Adventures coloring book is comprised of 8 pages of illustrations that are absolutely brimming with fun textures, unique characters, and local sea life. We were able to compile elements from each wall within the book, so many of the patient’s favorite characters are featured within the pages.
Outcome.
The pediatric mural is an engaging experience that puts a smile on young patients faces and gives comfort to visiting parents. The bright colors and youthful scenes transform the space and improves the day of everyone who sees it; patients and employees alike. I, as well as Pixel Parlor, am thrilled to have been included in such a healing and impactful project.
