Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Tell us about your project:
Initial Challenge
Nationwide Children’s Hospital aimed to elevate their holiday decor to better reflect the vibrant and cheerful atmosphere created by their colorful wall paintings and floors. However, the hospital faced significant challenges. Their expansive spaces required extensive decorations, and their budget did not support the purchase of hundreds of large trees. Additionally, safety concerns arose about children potentially grabbing or pulling at the trees.
Innovative Solution:
Oakland Green Interiors stepped in to creatively address these challenges with a multifaceted solution:
- Elevated Tree Display:
To give the appearance of larger trees without the need for excessively tall decorations, Oakland Green Interiors ingeniously staged trees in tall silvery-grey containers. This approach not only added height but also ensured the trees remained out of reach of curious children. The containers were weighted with concrete bricks and the trees were secured with custom plywood bases to prevent accidental toppling. - Varied Tree Groupings:
Instead of relying on numerous large trees Oakland Green Interiors created groupings of small (3-4’) medium (7.5’) and large trees (9’-12’). This strategic arrangement maximized visual impact and efficiently filled the hospital’s large spaces. By varying the height and size of the trees, they added depth and visual interest to the decoration.
- Cost-Effective Decoration Strategy:
To manage costs, a tiered approach to decorating the trees was adopted. The smallest trees had little to no decor, while medium and large trees featured decorations either throughout the entire tree or concentrated on the top. This variance not only reduced expenses but also contributed to a more visually engaging display.
Impressive Outcomes
The implementation of Oakland Green Interiors’ innovative solutions led to impressive results at Nationwide Children’s Hospital:
- Extensive Coverage:
A total of 305 trees were strategically installed across the main hospital. Trees were placed in clusters of three to seven throughout the first floor, two lower-level cafeterias, and other key areas of the main building. This thorough coverage ensured that holiday cheer was visible throughout the hospital. Enhanced Visual Appeal:
In addition to the tree installations, four dozen “tabletop” arrangements were crafted for dining tables and beverage stations, and six 18-foot-long garlands adorned faux lampposts in the main lobby lounge. Trees were strategically placed near reception desks, in hallway corridors, and close to visual focal points to maximize visibility and impact. The result was a continuous holiday display that spanned the entire length of the hospital’s first floor public area, which extends over 1600 feet.• Safety and Stability:
By raising the trees off of the ground, Oakland Green Interiors addressed the hospital’s safety concerns. The secure, weighted containers and custom plywood bases ensured that the decorations remained stable and safe for all visitors.
