Awakening: A Dental Clinic Inspired by Earth's Ancient Plants

Unleashing the Power of Nature in a Medical Space

Inspired by the earliest Cyanobacteria that appeared on Earth 3.4 billion years ago, the Awakening dental clinic in Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, brings the beauty and strength of ancient plants into a modern medical space. Designed by Lieh-Wei Liu and his team, this unique clinic combines metal, stone, wood, and an abundance of indoor plants to create a serene and healing environment.

The design of a medical space should go beyond the conventional framework and transform into a vibrant and culturally diverse environment. The Awakening dental clinic achieves this by incorporating splendid colors, diverse materials, and a positive atmosphere. It aims to shift the perception of a medical facility from a place of sickness and pain to an optimistic and uplifting space.

The clinic's interior is adorned with large-section marble and irregular rough rock surfaces, symbolizing the magnificent power of creation since ancient times. The use of green plants and hard mottled boulders creates a connection to nature, while the warm and gentle texture of wood represents the progress of time and the circle of life.

With a total construction area of 700 square meters spread across three floors, the clinic offers a range of spaces for guest reception, rest areas, consulting rooms, dental spaces, sterilization rooms, operation rooms, photo rooms, and office areas. Each floor is meticulously designed to ensure patient privacy, minimize cross-infection, and optimize the workflow of medical personnel.

One of the key challenges in designing the Awakening dental clinic was incorporating infection control measures, especially in the context of the ongoing global pandemic. The design team carefully considered the patients' consultation flow and the workflow of medical personnel from the early stages of the project. They selected antibacterial materials, studied equipment disinfection protocols, and strictly separated access spaces to comply with infection control regulations.

The Awakening dental clinic not only showcases exceptional design but also received recognition for its innovation and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2023. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, technical skill, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

By drawing inspiration from Earth's ancient plants, the Awakening dental clinic creates a unique and soothing environment for patients and medical professionals alike. It exemplifies the potential for medical spaces to embrace nature, culture, and imagination, paving the way for a future where healthcare environments are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and emotionally uplifting.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: LIEH-WEI LIU
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Liang Yen Hsiung, Rhythm, 2018. Image #2: Photographer Liang Yen Hsiung, Life, 2018. Image #3: Photographer Liang Yen Hsiung, Silence, 2018. Image #4: Photographer Liang Yen Hsiung, Healing, 2018. Image #5: Photographer Liang Yen Hsiung, TGrowth, 2018.
Project Team Members: Design Director:LIU LIEH-WEI Designer: LIN YI-CHIA Designer: LIOU YEU-YANN
Project Name: Awakening
Project Client: LIEH-WEI LIU


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