“There are few environments as negatively associated in expectation as a dental clinic. Hygienic and sterile atmosphere, the classical “white colour range” and last but not least the typical smell are very much connected with a feeling of a physical and psychic state of emergency and even abuse. Against this background we should be urging for a radical new understanding of hospitals in general and specifically dental clinics – away from negative prejudices towards an atmosphere of art, well being and relaxation.” - GRAFT
KU64 Dental clinic
Design Team: GRAFT Architects
Location: Berlin, Germany
Status: Completed 2006
The design concept for the dental clinic of Dr. Ziegler devises a radically new morphology for a medical setting. Folding, undulating floors create rises and hollows to hide in, inspired by a beach dune landscape. Ceiling and floor reflect each other in waves, defining protective spaces without the use of distinct enclosures. Hills and valleys are configured to enable privacy and intimacy as well as openness and vista.
Design Team: GRAFT Architects
Location: Berlin, Germany
Status: Completed 2006
The design concept for the dental clinic of Dr. Ziegler devises a radically new morphology for a medical setting. Folding, undulating floors create rises and hollows to hide in, inspired by a beach dune landscape. Ceiling and floor reflect each other in waves, defining protective spaces without the use of distinct enclosures. Hills and valleys are configured to enable privacy and intimacy as well as openness and vista.
Anamorphic images In white are silk screened onto the orange surface and can only be deciphered from distinct viewpoints. While moving through the clinic, the surface's appearance continuously changes. Furniture and topographical volumes double as storage space, and technical equipment is seamlessly integrated into the contours of the interior.
While the treatment spaces are defined by their discreet use of technology and contemplative nature opening up towards the skyline of Berlin only, the waiting area is transformed into an unexpectedly large, lounge-like space with an adjacent outside sun deck. The same typology of dune shaped surfaces create a common beach scenario, with integrated seats and soft benches, grouped around a free hanging fireplace.
The concept of a dune-like sculpture at the floor and the ceiling is continued into a staircase, connecting the main floor with the terrace and the treatment spaces on the floor below. The horizontal shapes are transformed into walls, confining a middle corridor like a canyon. A rhythm of glass doors cut into this canyon providing visual connections to the street and courtyard and flood it with natural light.
Photo credits: Hiepler Brunier Architektur fotografie
via KU64 | GRAFT Lab
While the treatment spaces are defined by their discreet use of technology and contemplative nature opening up towards the skyline of Berlin only, the waiting area is transformed into an unexpectedly large, lounge-like space with an adjacent outside sun deck. The same typology of dune shaped surfaces create a common beach scenario, with integrated seats and soft benches, grouped around a free hanging fireplace.
The concept of a dune-like sculpture at the floor and the ceiling is continued into a staircase, connecting the main floor with the terrace and the treatment spaces on the floor below. The horizontal shapes are transformed into walls, confining a middle corridor like a canyon. A rhythm of glass doors cut into this canyon providing visual connections to the street and courtyard and flood it with natural light.
Photo credits: Hiepler Brunier Architektur fotografie
via KU64 | GRAFT Lab
This is an attempt at radical change for the sake of itself instead of the very real and understood needs of the environment and its users.
ReplyDeleteThere are good reasons behind the established use of color, or lack of it, in the average hospital or clinic. When ones health is in question, in an environment filled with emotional triggers, the overall feeling of cleanliness and stability goes much farther than he fickle connotations of a strong color.
Color in bulk with no outlet takes on a life of its own. In this case a stark, forced welcome in yellow is quickly washed away by a tide of sickness spawned from unease or pain. Orange...the most disliked color in the spectrum to begin with. An aggressive yellow and red lounge that should be a soothing area for preparation or recovery. Surfaces in the most uncomfortable areas of the clinc, the medical ones, have color contrasting corners that cut like knives.
An environment already considered uncomfortable, at best, by most turned into a circus.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteWe've launched a new user-generated Architecture and Design site, Notebook, and would love for you to have a look, post some 'notes' and generally give us some feedback.
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