How can a healing environment be fostered in a psychiatric ward? According to Mette Terp Høybye, healing does not result from physical surroundings alone but from the interaction between space, people, and practice. In psychiatric settings, creating a healing environment therefore involves integrating architectural space with therapeutic activities and patient engagement.

Visual Wall is an interactive painting system designed to support occupational therapy. Painting allows patients to express emotions, reduce anxiety, and participate creatively. In this prototype, patients paint on a digital canvas through hand movements in the air.

The system connects a computer, Leap Motion motion sensor, projector, and screen. A program written in Java translates hand gestures into specific colors and brushstrokes that appear on the projected canvas, allowing patients to create artwork through movement.

The experience also includes sound interaction: music plays while the patient paints and stops when the movement ends, creating a responsive, multisensory environment that encourages engagement and relaxation.