Jonathan Lopez

How might we use Barnsdall Art Park's unique location and strict regulations to help hospital workers in Los Feliz and East Hollywood alleviate burnout?

62% of hospital workers in the United States experience burnout. To help alleviate this, we aimed to create an opportunity for these individuals to step out of their demanding work environments and recharge. We selected Barnsdall Art Park, the only park in the area, as the space for this initiative. However, the park presents challenges: strict rules, limited space, and a lack of visibility, as it feels quite secluded. Instead of viewing these aspects as obstacles, we saw them as potential strengths for our target audience. The park’s privacy and unique regulations can be leveraged to create a serene and exclusive environment, offering hospital employees a truly relaxing experience.

29% of jobs in East Hollywood are medical field related. These jobs lead to mental and physical exhaustion referred to as burnout. Out of all those who visit hospital gardens, 95% stated they felt different after visiting. In addition, individual focused interventions like mindfulness, stress management, and small group discussions help alleviate symptoms of burnout.

BeWell is a mobile app designed to support hospital employees by using geofencing technology to guide them to East Hollywood's only park, Barnsdall Art Park. Positioned near three major hospitals, the app leverages the park’s tranquil environment to offer activities like meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling, all of which are proven to reduce burnout symptoms. To encourage engagement and exploration, BeWell incorporates gamification features such as badges and rewards. These incentives are inspired by the park’s art, with each badge highlighting unique aspects of the artists showcased in the on-site museum, fostering a connection between relaxation and creativity.