Modus Operandi developed an art policy and a series of commissions by two artists for a new children’s community health centre in Southwark, London. Artists Milou van Ham and Jacqui Poncelet were selected to create art interventions that would give the building a unique identity, one that would attract and engage the attention of the wide age range of young users between the ages of 2 and 18 years.
Van Ham involved children in defining the themes and words for her sculptures, deciding on the concept of ‘Hide and Show’ for the building's three internal voids. Her series of aluminium and steel powder-coated sculptures are suspended from the ceiling and attached to walls, making them visible from the basement, ground and first floors.
Jacqui Poncelet worked closely with architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to develop a useful way-finding system for young people, their parents and visitors. Outside the building some of the walkway bricks have been turned on their sides revealing their holes, filled with bright blue terrazzo. Within, brightly coloured kick and push plates on doors, which link with the interior design, help to make the route leading to key service areas more memorable, while non-service areas are indicated using stainless steel. Additionally, large graphic panels in primary colours have been adorned with brightly coloured magnetic dots and squares. Children are encouraged to use the magnets to secure their own art works created in the waiting areas.
Sunshine House received a RIBA London Award in 2008.
This project is part of the Guy's and St Thomas' Charity Art Programme.
