As a renewal project for existing dental clinics, this project was not limited to renovating the interior, but was also carried out as a design proposal to reconsider the “time of treatment itself.”
The first step is to re-edit the components of the space. In the past, equipment has increased with the times, and fixtures and partitions have been arranged in a disorderly fashion, blocking the view and creating an oppressive environment.
In particular, large storage and furnishings gave off an “presence” that was more than necessary for the space and unwittingly made the patient’s mind and body tense.
We therefore reviewed the layout itself at the time of replacing the dental units in order to improve visibility and streamline the flow of traffic. With the function intact, the scale of the furniture and fixtures is kept as small and low as possible, and the structure is designed so that the eye can be seen deeper. As a result of eliminating the sense of pressure, breathing was created in the space, and the environment was changed to allow patients to relax their shoulders.
Another important theme is the creation of spaces where light plays a leading role. In this design, while taking advantage of existing window locations and lighting conditions, we focused on how light enters and how long it stays there. The natural light gently shines through the waiting area and the clinic space, and the light that changes its expression depending on the time of day creates rich shadows on the materials and walls. It is intended to be a place where patients not only receive treatment but also spend “quiet time” because there is a “change” that cannot be reproduced by artificial lighting.
Simplicity was the basis of the design. Our aim is to create a tranquil beauty that returns to its essence, rather than the excessive presentation and imposition of cleanliness that is typical of medical spaces. The unadorned walls, the solid wood and matte construction materials, and the natural color palette all make up the space as a quiet place to be.
We wanted to redefine the dental office as a place to prepare, rather than using the power of design to transform it into a comfortable place. A place where visitors can reset not only their bodies but also their minds. Along with the evolution of medical technology, we are also focusing on the power of the “place” and are envisioning a new dental clinic where the space is close to the patient.
This design is a proposal for the future dental space.
