SemiCreative 6 Fabric 7 Studio Dental

Finalist
Credits
  • Pou Auaha / Creative Directors
    Mitchell Coll, James Irvine
  • Ringatoi Matua / Design Directors
    Mitchell Coll, James Irvine
  • Ngā Kaimahi / Team Members
    Amy, Bill, Dani, Mary
  • Kaitautoko / Contributors
    Scott Bolton, Simon Devitt
  • Client
    Jenny Kim
Description:

This ambitious dental practice project redefines the dental experience through innovative use of spatial color. The facility, designed to be a calming and positive environment, stands as a new landmark on a busy residential street. The building's white exterior symbolizes cleanliness and hygiene, creating a striking yet harmonious presence among neighboring houses. This white facade interacts with light, casting dynamic shadows through a heritage-inspired screen that references the owner's Korean family heritage.

Inside, the design transitions seamlessly from the white exterior to warm, earthy tones that evoke comfort and calm. The reception and waiting areas feature these inviting tones, creating a serene atmosphere for patients. As patients move into the dental studios, the color palette shifts to incorporate more white, emphasizing the clinical, hygienic aspects of the space while maintaining a connection to the warmth of the reception areas. This transition is reinforced by consistent use of white in window frames and joinery, blending the interior and exterior.

The thoughtful use of color enhances both the building's functionality and its emotional impact. White, as an achromatic color, reflects its surroundings and changes with the environment, adding a unique, ever-changing dynamic to the building. This quality is exemplified by the dusk screen where white appears purple, showcasing its versatility.

The warm, earthy tones within the building create a welcoming atmosphere that contrasts with the clinical white, striking a balance between comfort and hygiene. The careful consideration of color transitions and the interaction of light and shadow elevate the patient experience, making a visit to the dentist something to look forward to rather than dread.

This project not only meets the practical needs of a dental practice but also creates an aesthetically pleasing, emotionally supportive environment. It stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and innovative use of color in transforming everyday experiences.