Linking Hearts Art Installation for St Christopher’s Hospice

To bring this vision to life, St. Christopher’s approached our design studio for creative assistance. We were tasked with transforming the concept into an experience that would be thoughtful, memorable, and appropriate for the delicate subject matter. We were also asked to elevate the simple paper decorations hanging from the walkway into something unforgettable and serene. Upon conducting a site visit and discussing ideas with the hospice representatives, our creative director suggested using DMX LED colour-changing light bars placed in the roof structure of the walkway.

This solution would provide a wash of coloured light up onto the underside of the roof structure and the hanging hearts. The light bars would be programmed to gradually change colours, creating an immersive and powerful experience for visitors. To ensure the lighting design was optimal, our team conducted thorough tests and made adjustments until we achieved the desired effect.

The result was a stunning art installation that transformed the walkway into a serene and unforgettable space, providing visitors with a moment of reflection and remembrance. The effectual lighting design combined with the interlinked hearts and individual messages created a touching and meaningful experience for all who walked through the installation.

The St. Christopher’s team loved the idea, and together, we arranged an evening lighting mock-up to demonstrate the concept. The conceptual stage incorporated early samples of the linked heart chains.

After testing numerous ways of hanging the linked hearts, it became clear which method looked the most effective. The installation of linking hearts was a greater undertaking than the team had initially imagined. However, no one was deterred, and everyone was encouraged by the mock-up results. At this design stage, the team focused on how the art installation needed to be completed. Additionally, the team kept a close eye on the duration of time it would take to install 50,000 linked hearts.

Over the next few weeks, an army of volunteers and St. Christopher’s staff produced the linked heart chains. Furthermore, the team carried out the installation of the lighting and the hanging of the hearts almost simultaneously. Next, the light bars were programmed to travel in a slow wave from one end of the walkway to the other. This was completed by using St. Christopher’s corporate colours. This video at the top of the page shows a glimpse of the final design project.
These lighting effects and the linked hearts moving softly in the wind gave the installation movement and life. The interactive art installation was also meaningful for many people who visited it. The beauty of the installation moved people, and many discovered messages among the thousands of linked hearts. The installation brought people together and fostered a sense of community. It was truly a remarkable achievement, and the entire team should be proud of their hard work and dedication.

Since the opening, a lot of positive comments surfaced on social media. We are truly honoured to have played a role in their experiences.