Alissa Rees

Department: Man and Leisure
Website: www.alissarees.com

Humanising The White Building

Hospitals need to become more human, believes Alissa Rees. She had leukaemia at the age of 19 and now aims to improve the hospital experience for future patients. She does this with ‘Humanising The White Building’ − a book full of personal poems and concepts. One such concept is IV-Walk: a portable alternative to the cumbersome pole-on-wheels. She seeks a balance between hiding the medical equipment and acknowledging the illness. Designed to be worn almost as clothing, it can reflect the patient’s identity. Another idea is Hospichic, which focuses on ambience – crucial to accelerating recovery. Including basic elements like a chandelier and tablecloth, the set can instantly transform a sterile room into a cosy dinner venue, giving patients a brief break from their illness.