Poetic Creation to Help Burns Patients on their Journey
An inspiring ten-metre long mural, developed by Studio Alexander, a brand strategy and design studio, has formed an
integral part of Middlemore Hospital’s new state-of-the-art National Burn Centre. The mural, which was sponsored by
Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) and developed by Studio Alexander, will be celebrated at an event at the
burn centre on Tuesday 26 September.
The mural, which features an original poem and design, occupies an entire corridor within the rehabilitation area and
aims to motivate and inspire the patients and staff of the National Burn Centre, whilst contributing to a calming,
healing environment for patients and their families.
The mural was a result of extensive co-operation and consultation from several organisations including AIAL, the South
Auckland Health Foundation, the staff and patients of the National Burn Centre and cultural advisors.
South Auckland Health Board Foundation, Chief Executive, Pam Tregonning said the mural would be a key feature and a
talking point for years to come.
“The mural is a wonderful addition to the new rehabilitation areas funded by Auckland International Airport Limited.
We’re thrilled that Studio Alexander agreed to support the facility with such an amazing creative contribution.”
The project management and creative concept for the mural was funded by Studio Alexander, who was invited by AIAL to
join them as a sponsor of the Centre’s rehabilitation area.
Studio Alexander’s brief was to conceive an idea for a mural, which would inspire and motivate staff and patients.
Studio Alexander director Kate Alexander said the company chose to focus on the concept of a journey, which is
reflective of the journey undertaken by the patients as they recover from their burns.
Studio Alexander selected a poem which became the backbone of the design from local resident, Tessa Stephens, which they
considered to encapsulate the idea of a physical and spiritual journey, involving self-discovery and positive change.
Kate Alexander felt that the words of the poem would be inspiring to patients and were a perfect fit with their creative
concept. Commenting on the mural she said:
“The poem is lyrical and inspiring in its themes of transformation and rebirth, and it has a distinct New Zealand feel
with particular reference to the Manukau region.”
The illustrator Dag Young, from the Department of Doing, worked closely with Studio Alexander to visually interpret the
poem.
The event will be attended by AIAL senior management, South Auckland Health Foundation board members, and the design
team from Studio Alexander.
ENDS