Monument Health sought to create a more patient-centric environment at Rapid City Hospital by renovating and reconfiguring the existing space and adding a 4-story hospital office building to expand the patient care areas. ARCH Design’s objective was to support an enhanced patient experience by developing a localized artwork program representing the region’s culturally diverse population to create comfort and connection through relevant and familiar imagery.

An artwork standards committee consisting of Monument Health caregivers, local artists, and architectural consultants developed an artwork policy to guide procurement. Our team curated the collection in accordance with the policy and collaborated with a cultural liaison that could speak to the various patient backgrounds and confirm alignment with their values and views. 

To support Monument Health’s patient-centric initiative, our team selected artwork that would recognize and honor the diverse patient population, consisting of Native Americans, military families, farmers, ranchers, and more. It was important to identify local artists that could accurately represent, recognize, and honor the surrounding community. Each local art display features a plaque with information about the artist and the artwork to establish deeper connections with viewers. 

Artwork selection primarily centered around the evidence-based design principle that nature-based imagery appeals to a broad audience. The art program at Rapid City Hospital tells a story of the surrounding scenery through a mix of photography, abstracts, and representational art. Artwork groupings feature landscapes and recognizable local elements paired with abstracts and macro photography, highlighting various aspects of nature to resonate with a broad audience. The collections emphasize the colors, textures, and patterns found throughout the region. This approach gives viewers a storyline rather than individual pieces, offering varying perspectives on nature.

Our team carefully planned the artwork locations to support improved wayfinding and complement the color palettes, furniture, and interior finishes. Coordinating the artwork with colored accent walls in the elevator banks on each floor creates easily recognizable spaces to help patients and visitors feel more at ease when navigating the hospital.  

Through research and the application of evidence-based design principles, the project strongly recognizes Rapid City Hospital’s diverse patient population. It enhances the vision developed through design and architecture, thus, successfully meeting its goal to create a more patient-centric environment. Because the improvements have been well-received among the community, Monument Health is currently implementing similar design standards at other facilities to ensure design consistency and increased patient satisfaction across the region they serve.