Canopy: Bringing Nature and Warmth to Chalmers Centre
When patients and staff arrive at the Chalmers Centre in Edinburgh, they now step into a space that feels welcoming and comforting – through vibrant gardens, over a drawbridge and into an entrance filled with nature-inspired artwork that connects indoors and outdoors.
Before this transformation, the foyer was stark and grey, with sharp angles and a feeling of coldness. It didn’t reflect the warmth and inclusivity of the service. Staff wanted something that would make people feel at ease from the moment they arrived. They contacted the Charity to see how they could support, and our Tonic Arts team worked with them to bring their vision to life, commissioning Edinburgh based artist, Natasha Russell, to enhance the space with colour, warmth and imagery of the natural world.
Natasha worked closely with staff and patients to ensure the artwork represented the ethos of inclusivity and respect that underpins the service, whilst also connecting with those visiting the Centre. Concept designs were presented for comment, before final designs were approved and realised in the space.
Natasha explains:
Through working with the clinic community and getting a sense of the diversity of experiences that people bring into it, it became clear that the entrance artwork should help to create a welcoming atmosphere with vibrant forms and colours; both comforting and uplifting. I took inspiration from the plant species chosen and planted by Inglis Thorburn, which surround the clinic. Through tying into these I hoped to support a sense of connection between the surroundings and hospital interior whilst also reflecting natural growth cycles and diversity of forms.”
‘Canopy’ includes a hand-painted frieze sweeping across the walls above the doors, and vibrant vinyl designs on windows and doors, creating a sense of movement and connection. The final artwork draws on local plant species, reimagined as fantastical hybrids at various stages of growth: budding, seeding, flowering, fruiting and even wilting. Hidden among them are pollinators like moths and birds, alongside playful details such as seeds and pollen patterns. Look closely and you’ll spot familiar plants like asters, anemones, and sages, echoing the planting scheme outside the building – so the welcome begins before you even step inside.
The new designs have been warmly welcomed by staff. Consultant in Genitourinary and HIV medicine, Dr Dan Clutterbuck, reflects on the impact:
It is just what I had originally envisaged. I feel strongly that as we move through the current challenging environment in terms of inclusivity and reproductive rights, making Chalmers a place of safety is even more important than when we started.”
Now, the space feels warmer, calmer, and more human. Staff have commented that it’s made a real difference to how people experience the centre – helping visitors feel relaxed from the moment they arrive.
Susan Grant, Tonic Arts Manager, concludes:
When we first spoke with staff about the project, they told us that they wanted the space to feel friendlier and more inviting. We were delighted to help make that happen through creativity, as well as the necessary funding and project management! By bringing in Natasha’s creative skills and imagination, and working alongside our Green Health colleagues, we’re really pleased to have created an environment that reflects the care and inclusivity at the heart of the service.”
The changes to the entrance have transformed the experience of arriving at Chalmers Centre, helping to reduce anxiety and creating a sense of calm and belonging.
Special thanks to our Green Health team for the beautiful outdoor enhancements, and to landscape architect Inglis Thorburn, whose planting design inspired and complemented the artwork inside.
Sketches and Staff Engagement Sessions
About Chalmers Centre
The Chalmers Centre is home to Lothian Sexual and Reproductive Health Service, offering a wide range of services including contraception, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, and support following sexual assault. It also houses specialist clinics such as the Gender Identity Clinic and provides community gynaecology, menopause support, and services for young people and men who have sex with men. Everyone is welcome, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, age, ethnicity, or religion.