Harmonic flows

The veterinary center is housed on the ground floor of an Athenian apartment building constructed in 1973. The project aim was to update the architectural design of the animal care facilities, seeking a fresh, contemporary, and extroverted identity.

 

Layout configuration

Starting from an empty 78m2 floor plan, the proposal was shaped around the predetermined workflow of the two veterinarians. The reception area serves as the central focal point of the layout, functioning as the most “public” segment of the composition. The design also addresses the various needs of animal isolation and care by providing two examination rooms, a radiology room, a surgery room, an area for animal housing, a kitchen, and a visitor’s wc.

 

Design philosophy

The design accentuates the facade of the veterinary centre, establishing a strong presence along the street and defining its character through a thoughtful interplay of materials and textures. The facade is animated by a metal structure that opens the space to the street and lets in abundant natural light. Grey tiles, warm wooden surfaces, bright white walls and metallic inox details create a distinct identity through the contrast of cool and warm elements.

 

Reception area design

The reception area is framed by a large opening that accentuates the interior, inviting in the passing pedestrians. Upon entering the space, the visitor encounters a monolithic reception desk that features the practice’s logo. Dark tiles are used to clad both the desk as well as the floor of the space.

 

Hybrid Spaces

The reception area is separated from the adjoining private spaces through a display wall, which occasionally features animal care products. The two examination rooms are designed as both independent and interconnected spaces. The placement of the examination bed at the centre of their layout becomes the focal point of the space, while the complementary functions have been oriented towards the blind boundary of the ground floor. Adjacent to the examination spaces is the surgery room, painted in white and grey colours that coexist harmoniously.

Finally, at the rear of the veterinary clinic, a temporary animal accommodation is created, and connected through a linear path to both the main entrance and the back yard. Along that path, animal cages of various sizes form a playful elevation.

Purple Atmospheres

“Lab I” is a pilot project for a 50 m2 retail store that simplifies the process of product sales and promotes the open purchase of rare and conceptual garments.

 

Designing for the consumer

Functionally, the store becomes an autonomous “intelligent” unit. The interior space is constantly transformed to suit the needs of the consumer and responds to rapid changes in seasonal trends. All interior elements are composed of multiple layers, which are seamlessly integrated to the store’s design. Their transient function allows the space to continuously become reconfigured, facilitating a more immediate relationship between the consumer and the product.

 

Design Approach

The walls are wrapped with a “second skin”, which enables all technical equipment to be placed – covertly – within the room. A monolithic interactive console and a spiral dressing room made of curved amber glass define the consumer’s area. The floor is cladded with a dynamic pattern, contrasting the monochromatic tone of the space.

 

Bespoke design elements and Store Façade

A series of three-dimensional elements create visual dynamics within the space. Hanging mirror balls add an effect of lightness to the space, whereas storage spaces are slotted into the walls, hidden from view. Three vertical niches contain adjustable clothing racks. The façade’s rough texture is complemented by a series of metal pipes that protrude from the wall.

 

Color palette and Atmosphere

The dark color palette was chosen to draw attention to the store’s interior. The color gradient, shifting from illuminating purple to burnt black, expands the interiors’ volume, and blurs the boundaries between the store and the street. The furniture follows the color palette of the space, preserving a continuous monochromatic atmosphere.

Radical design

The gym resides within a neoclassical building, featuring a distinct balcony adorned with a frieze and ornate balustrade, marble columns and plastered decorations. Its exterior classical beauty is subverted through the interior design, activating a dynamic dialogue between the two.

 

Entrance Design

The ground floor houses the reception and waiting area. The reception is designed as a solid monolithic structure made of large single grey marble slabs, while behind it, dozens of white decorative boxing gloves adorn the backdrop. Across the reception, instead of the typical lounge, there are modern wooden bleacher seats for the visitors. The entrance’s distinctive feature is its illumination, primarily emanating from the large, bright white elastic ceiling, bathing the space in a luminous glow, thus unifying the individual elements and dominating the space.

Lighting is completed by using minimal linear recessed fixtures mounted on the ceiling, discreet hidden lighting on the furniture and large bright letters that give a vivid pop art touch to the space. All floors are connected through the entrance and the main staircase. They are uniformly designed and cladded in black metal mesh illuminated with vertical linear neon lighting, which rigorously outlines the frame of the structure and gives it a strong industrial, contemporary character.

 

Custom structures

The changing rooms and sanitary facilities are located on the second floor, accessed through an anteroom. Illuminated by atmospheric lighting in shades of blue and purple, it exudes an ambiance reminiscent of a scene from a sci-fi movie. Custom metal boxes, made of black mesh, act as display cases for the boxing gloves. Both the women’s and men’s changing rooms have custom-designed structures for the lockers, enveloped in luxury materials. The men’s changing rooms showcase grey marble accents, while the women’s area features white marble. Large mirrors and leather benches further enhance the sense of premium comfort and well-being within the space.

 

Material Palette and Lighting

On the third and fourth floors are the boxing ring and a multi-purpose gym. The ceiling’s steel frame structure is prominently exposed, giving an underground character to both spaces. More specifically, the ring area’s design follows a traditional style. The walls are made of aged brickwork, while dark colors are used throughout the space. Black leather punching bags as well as six large bell-lights hang from the center of the ceiling.

Finally, a separate training area, where boxing techniques are combined with gymnastics and entertainment, has been created in the basement, reminiscent of a club with loud music and impressive lighting effects. Matrix LED lines are placed on the ceiling and walls, creating a dynamic lighting grid with continuous movement, while a series of black glossy water punchbags, suspended from the ceiling, reflect the playfulness of the lights on their surface.