When the new Stavanger University Hospital was officially opened by Haakon Magnus on January 14, 2026, it marked not only the opening of a modern hospital but also the completion of the large-scale artwork Rotasjoner. The work consists of concrete sculptures and a 1,200 m² ceiling painting, created in close collaboration between the artist Ingrid Lønningdal and H&M Malerservice, part of Håndverksgruppen.
The painting covers the ceiling of the hospital’s central square, situated between the four main buildings. Here, patients, relatives, and staff can move around dry under a colorful artwork, where shades change throughout the day and the year.
Close collaboration between art and craft
H&M Malerservice worked on the project for about three months with six painters. The assignment was commissioned by KORO, the state agency responsible for art in public spaces. Together with Ingrid Lønningdal, who actively participated in the painting, the artwork’s expression was transformed into a precise and lasting result.
– This project is a good example of how craft and creative effort can elevate a result into something truly special. We are proud to have contributed to an artwork that will be experienced by thousands of people every day. Working with Ingrid Lønningdal and KORO has been inspiring and marked by great professional respect, says Magnor Kolnes, General Manager of H&M Malerservice.
H&M Malerservice was chosen for the project due to its expertise in public art projects in Stavanger and its proven ability to execute projects where precision and close collaboration with the artist are crucial.
Photo: H&M Malerservice
A complex large-scale project
Creating the ceiling painting presented several practical challenges. The work took place on an active construction site, requiring H&M Malerservice to continuously adapt to the progress of the hospital building. Safety was a central focus, and all work processes had to meet the client’s requirements.
The large surfaces and uneven substrate demanded a carefully planned solution: scaffolding was set up in sections in front of the painters and dismantled behind them, in sync with the progress of the work between the buildings. This allowed safe and efficient work at heights of up to five meters while maintaining the painters’ precision.
Photo: Ingrid Lønningdal
Art as part of the overall experience
For Ingrid Lønningdal, the ambition was to create a work that functions both as an artistic experience and as a natural part of the hospital’s architecture.
The abstract painting consists of around 90 color shades, mixed manually on site to achieve the perfect tones – some transparent, others opaque. The colors are organized according to the cardinal directions of the square, and the composition changes character depending on light, weather, and movement through the space.
– It has been motivating to develop a work that can give patients, visitors, and staff positive experiences. The project is extensive, and I began working on it in 2019. Finding good partners was crucial, especially for the installation of the painting. H&M Malerservice showed great understanding of the art project and contributed with clear project management on the site. The intense months of installation were a joy: the heavy work felt easy, and the skilled craftsmen met the high precision demands. I am very satisfied with the result, says Ingrid Lønningdal.
Photo: Ingrid Lønningdal
Photo: H&M Malerservice
