Batek Architekten Designs Berlin Orthodontic Clinic Like a Boutique
A pastel-toned, gallery-inspired clinic interior designed to reduce patient anxiety through radical reduction.
1Redefining Medical Interior Aesthetics
Batek Architekten transformed a former 178-square-metre pharmacy in Berlin into the Hey orthodontic clinic. Moving away from traditional sterile medical environments, the design team utilized a monochromatic pastel yellow palette combined with matte silver accents. This approach aims to create a soothing atmosphere that resembles a high-end fashion boutique or art gallery.
2Client-Centric Design Philosophy
Doctor Julie Charlotte Angrick commissioned the project with a specific goal of making young patients feel comfortable. The clinic name, Hey, serves as an informal, welcoming gesture. Patrick Batek and architect Julia Jensen focused on radical reduction rather than childish decorations to ensure the space remains professional yet inviting for children and teenagers.
3Geometric Elements and Spatial Flow
The interior features bold geometric furniture, including a folded steel reception counter and a sculptural bench. The architects completely reconfigured the original floor plan to optimize patient movement through the clinic. Lighting tubes trace graphic lines across the ceiling, while translucent glass-fibre-reinforced plastic walls define the treatment rooms with a modern, clean aesthetic.
4Technical Challenges of Resin Flooring
The most demanding aspect of the construction was the plant-based resin floor, which provides a continuous yellow surface throughout the clinic. Because the material is unforgiving, the subfloor required extreme precision during preparation. Any irregularity in the substrate would have been visible, potentially compromising the intended seamless look of the monochromatic design.
5Functional Hygiene and Materiality
Despite the gallery-like appearance, the design prioritizes clinical functionality and hygiene. Textiled tiles are used in wet rooms and high-touch areas to ensure durability. To maintain the clean, reduced visual identity, all necessary medical tools and equipment are hidden away within cabinets integrated directly into the walls, keeping the workspace clutter-free.
6Strategic Use of Color Accents
While the primary aesthetic is monochromatic yellow, the architects introduced strategic red elements to provide visual contrast. These accents appear on room numbers, chairs, and signage for toothbrushing areas. This color choice aligns with the logo developed by Bailey und Bailey, which incorporates a smiley face emoticon to reinforce the clinic's friendly brand identity.
7Previous Studio Experience
Batek Architekten brings significant experience in medical facility design to this project. The studio previously completed the T7.2 dental clinic in Berlin, demonstrating their ability to balance complex clinical requirements with high-end interior design. Their portfolio also includes the renovation of a historic cinema, showcasing their versatility in handling diverse architectural challenges.
8Impact of Environmental Psychology
The Hey clinic demonstrates how architectural choices can directly influence patient experience by removing the fear associated with clinical settings. By enveloping visitors in a warm, consistent color scheme, the design successfully bridges the gap between medical utility and human-centric comfort. This project highlights the growing trend of applying retail design principles to healthcare.