Videre’s ethos is centred around the principles of “biophilia” and its approach combines natural elements with contemporary design to improve happiness in the workplace. The company specialises in state-of-the-art aquariums, incorporating all aspects of ecology into concept design, product development and project management with a particular focus on encouraging people to feel more connected with nature.

Videre founder and aquarium designer Akil Gordon-Beckford explains: “Anyone who has worked in our hospitals during the pandemic will have experienced stress levels like never before – these are the NHS staff who have been at the sharp end of Coronavirus since March. Our team wanted to thank the NHS staff for the sacrifices they have made by giving them something that would help reduce stress levels and help them smile while they are at work.

“A lot of what we do is about promoting positive spaces and ensuring staff mental health is at the top of the agenda. Research consistently indicates that implementing design features, such as aquariums and other elements of nature, can really help boost happiness. They have a unique way of transforming an environment by adding light, colour and movement; they capture people’s attention and connect them to nature, making them feel calmer and more relaxed.”

The three tanks will be placed in the staff wellbeing hub at the hospital and will feature a 240 litre saltwater aquarium with fish and coral, and two 30 litre desktop aquarium with fish and aquatic plants.