Novia University of Applied Science

Dubbelsidigt was a pilot project on the ways in which aesthetics, art and art-related conversations affect human physical and mental health, with external handling of Professor Britt-Maj Wikström from Akershus University College. Wikström has conducted research in the subject since the 1980s. The pilot project and the teaching was about how the spatial environment people are living in affects our health. The work was carried out in connection with the renovation of the Jakobstad's social and health care work department, where art and design have a central role. The result was an aesthetically pleasing care environment there double-sided photographic art and interior design plays a central role.

The research- and development project Art and Well-being aimed to create aesthetically appealing public health care environments that can give rise to positive thinking and discussions. To this end, art and holistic interior design were used. The project was carried out in cooperation between Novia University of Applied Sciences, various public health care institutions in Finland and professional artists and designers. The focus has been on aesthetics and art that create care environments stimulating positive thoughts for staff, patients and relatives. Further the project sought to make the role of cultural worker visible in such projects and to create understanding between care and arts fields. An additional goal was to provide art students with experience of seeing art in a broad context. This project report describes the realization of three different health care environments where art and design have had a central role.