GERMAN ARCHITECT PETER STRASEK DESIGNS THE "THERAPY LOUNGE", A NEW DENTAL OFFICE CONCEPT--CAVITIES ANYONE?

By Peter Strasek

OK, maybe we’re exaggerating a little. But look at these pictures: Don’t they make you wish your own dentist had better taste than a waiting room full of Thomas Kinkades? And don’t you think you’d hate going to the dentist a tad less if you didn’t have to sit in a barf-brown dental chair that squeaked every time you got probed?

The office -- called adorably, quaintly, the Dental INN -- of course bills itself as much more than eye candy. The work of Mannheim, Germany-based MatrixX Architectures by Peter Stasek Architect, the whole concept is conceived as a “therapy lounge."

Sure, that sounds pretty absurd for a dental clinic; you half expect them to supplement your tooth implant with a mani-pedi. Except that dental fear is so astonishingly deep and pervasive -- at least 5% of the U.S. population would rather suffer unspeakable pain than visit a dentist -- that anything that can assuage patients' anxieties sounds like a good idea to us.

 

Stasek's concept centers on the "healing effects of organic shapes and natural structures." So you've got a curving reception island and glass walls overprinted in an image of the nearby Viernheim forest and a waiting room that would look right at home in the pages of Dwell (fireplace included).

All of this is supposed to put patients' minds at ease. And we suspect, for some at least, it does. Perhaps so much so that they shell out for not just the implant but -- hell, why not? -- the teeth-whitening, too.

For lots more images go to ArchDaily.com.

COMMENTARY:   Now that's what I call a dental office, that doesn't look like a dental office.  The "therapy lounge" concept is quite fitting and very novel.  I can visualize myself having my annual dental work done here.  I much prefer the novocaine shots AND the nitreous oxide gas.   Thanks Doc.

Courtesy of an article dated February 7, 2011 appearing in Fast Company Design

Comments

[dentist]

That's one nice clinic you got there! I hope I can see these types of wonderful clinics in my town.

[Dental Scheduling]

Wow those designs are absolutely beautiful. Architecture certainly is a genre of art.

[Fred Collinsworth]

Dental technology is one of the most appealing sites when having a dental consultation. It helps to ease dental stress which makes every visit a thrilling one. A great aura also helps to uplift one's feeling and be relaxed during procedures.