Large-scale Nature Images Make an Impact at Fairview Health Services’ New Clinic in River Falls, WI

By Kurt Johnson Photography • May 10, 2021

Ever heard the saying, “Go big or go home?”  Well, that seemed to be the underlying theme of designer Ashley Hurner of BDH for a new 19,000 square foot clinic in River Falls, WI for Fairview Health Services.  And (pun-intended) her vision paid off big time. 

Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Koroseal large scale wallcovering graphic mural orange grass grasses sunset sunrise landscape hall hallway corridor
Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Kurt Johnson Photography biophilic nature photograph healthcare

We talked to Hurner to learn more about the design intent behind this project:

“Working with the client, we came up with a new, updated, & fresh look that was cognizant of the wide demographic range of their patients. The clinic utilized a lot of biophilic design elements and natural materials. This included scaled photographs of colorful flowers, plants, and landscapes that patients are familiar with and can make a connection to.”

Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Kurt Johnson Photography nature photograph

The clinic will service the city, college campus, and surrounding communities.

Kurt Johnson Photography’s artistic director, Tori Gerkin, worked closely with Hurner and Koroseal’s Manda Morales and provided portfolios of Kurt’s work that matched the theme, scale and color scheme of the project. 

Gerkin created this custom graphic after working through several versions based on feedback from Hurner and the facility.  The mural stretched down a corridor approximately 48 feet long.   The result is a stunning visual display that does a wonderful job of bringing nature indoors for patients, staff and the entire care team.

Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Kurt Johnson Photography biophilic nature photograph healthcare

Hurner chose a custom vector graphic of one of Kurt’s tree photographs to create this playful children’s area in the lobby.   The image, along with the use of lighting, created a unique and imaginative waiting area for kids.

trees green leaves forest redwoods
Original Photograph by Kurt Johnson
trees green forest vector landscape children childrens art
Custom Vector Created for Children’s Area in Lobby.
Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH trees green forest vector landscape children childrens art
Design Board by BDH.
Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH trees green forest vector landscape children childrens art close up
Close-up of Vector Detail. Wallcovering by Koroseal.
Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Koroseal large scale wallcovering custom vector children children's graphic green tree trees branches forest canopy fort waiting lobby positive distraction children's hospital art biophilic design

Hurner explained: “I wanted the children’s area to be a little more playful. The image selected was a view through a forest, which inspired a little more detail above the area where we staggered round soffits to mimic a tree canopy. In a subtle way, I think this will engage the children when they first enter the clinic and even while they’re coloring or playing. Even if it’s a little different than the rest of the images around the clinic, I think it’s something both children and adults will recognize and enjoy.”

And think corners have to be boring? Think again!

Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Koroseal large scale wallcovering graphic mural purple flower close up hall hallway corridor
Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Kurt Johnson Photography nature photograph
Design by BDH.
Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Koroseal large scale wallcovering graphic mural tree branch branches pussy willow close up hall hallway corridor

Hurner used several of Kurt’s images, thoughtfully placed throughout the space and printed on Koroseal’s wallcoverings to continue incorporating biophilic design elements in the clinic. 

The result?  So far, the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. And according to Hurner, “There’s no doubt that the images will create a lot of impact and will bring the various parts of the clinic together in a unique way.”

This was a fantastic project to be a part of, from start to finish.  And we love being able to provide biophilic nature images that fit the specific vision of each client.  In this case, Hurner was thrilled with the outcome:

“I thought the whole process ran very smoothly . . ..  The amount of photography options KJP has is close to endless, and I think that just helps a simple idea grow and come to life.”

Fairview health services river falls WI Wisconsin BDH Kurt Johnson Photography nature photograph
Sign up for our newsletter today!

Get a preview of Kurt’s newest images, his behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and the stories behind the installations.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.