Photo credit: Dan Norman | Video credit: Pixel Skew
The Brief
Gillette Children’s, a leading pediatric medical treatment center, celebrated their 125th year of serving patients with brain, bone and movement conditions in 2022. In celebration of this milestone year, and Disability Pride Month, they wanted to throw a large-scale Community Celebration where patients, families, employees and the community could gather to celebrate the cause. The goal of the event was to be a spirited jubilee with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, so every attendee could participate, no matter their ability level.
Our Work
Design | Build | Production | Logistics
In partnership with the Gillette Children’s planning committee, we set out to create a family friendly event that would meet the client’s goals and be a magical getaway for the children in attendance. Gillette Children’s serves kids with complex medical conditions, disabilities, and rare diseases, so it was very important that everything from the event venue, to the activities, to the food, was accessible for them.
With these objectives as our guide, we navigated forward to create a welcoming and accessible event with exciting engagements for all to enjoy. We wanted a design approach that was familiar and appealing to all attendees. Our solution was to design a world called Imagiland. This mystical wonderland was inspired by a combination of exaggerated Dr. Seuss elements and creatures similar to those from, ‘Where the Wild Things Are’.
Since accessibility was our North Star, we provided solutions for those with disabilities to be able to participate in ways they would not normally be able to. Chalk stick extenders were provided to patients in wheelchairs so they could add to the community mural. Petting zoo creatures had textural elements at varying heights for all to enjoy, and wide pathways weaved throughout the space for access to each activation.
The design was composed of unusual trees and creatures, and five distinctive areas to explore. From airbrush tattoos to the immersive ballet class, a massive chalk mural to the larger than life games, there truly was something for everyone!
The Experience
In the end, everything came together beautifully. Attendees were in awe of the wide range of activities and the creative treatment of the event space. Patients, staff and their families joined in on the festivities by exploring the magical and fantastical world of Imagiland. The Community Celebration was not only a great success, but it was also the largest event Gillette Children’s had ever thrown. It was a great way to celebrate the milestone anniversary of the children’s hospital while also having some fun in the process!