Enter Architecture, an Australian based firm, has recently finished an interior project for a Medical Centre for Austistic Children in Edgecliff, Sydney. The project has a healing potential of space that was studied very closely through color, indirect light and dynamic geometries. The result is a calming environment where the specialists can carry out their research and work on behavioral symptoms in young children. The patients are encouraged to play games, do quizzes and play in the informal environment of the center.The brief was rewarding and challenging for the architects who also built the space with specialist trades using laser cutting 3d and boat building technologies. More from the architect comes after the jump.
At 150sqm, the project was modest in its footprint but sets a clear example of digitally fabricated interiors, and a prototype to see how these projects perform. In early conversations with the client, priorities were quickly realized: 3 radiating treatment rooms, a central reception area, lots of play spaces, soft furnishings like beanbags and excellent visibility – all of which contributed to the genesis for the ideas and space planning that followed.
Design sensitivity was imperative when considering the function of the space and very much influenced the final form. Having a clear understanding of the client’s needs on a day to day basis and moreover the needs of visiting patients, meant practical issues were also of high importance. The way in which the geometry circulates and unfolds not only promotes an atmosphere of calm, rest and relaxation but in severe circumstances, also prevents children from harming themselves on corners: where this space is concerned, right angles are most definitely the wrong angles.
The partnership of light, optics & color also played a pivotal role in shaping the overall feel of the project. Indirect lighting was used to soften the space with cove lighting providing an additional calming effect. Colors play an important role in shaping our emotions and with this in mind, a fresh & neutral base pallet was chosen with bold color injections interspersed throughout. Known for its healing properties, a fearless orange shade was chosen for the back feature wall. Soft furnishings complemented the color scheme with playful Dinosaur design rugs and Fiocco “stocking” chairs by Busnelli.
Architect:Enter Architecture
Design Director – Patrick Keane
Designer- Johanna Doerfel
Builder: Enter Projects : William Keeler
Carpentry: Chris Lain construction
Wall treatments: Robert Mackenzie internal finishes
Lighting: Will Electric
Assistants: Noor ElGewely, Quoc Uong, David Kirkland
Client: Annabel Stuckey Minnd Foundation
Photography : Brett Boardman