Revolutionizing Pharmacy Design: Cure & Care by Kitriniaris and Myroforidou

Unveiling the Award-Winning Design of a Pharmacy Inspired by Nature

The Cure & Care Pharmacy, located in Kryoneri, Greece, is a testament to the innovative design capabilities of Kitriniaris and Myroforidou. The inspiration for the pharmacy's design stems from the raw natural materials of the area, particularly the forested landscapes of Mount Parnitha. The name "Kryoneri" itself, a composite word from the Greek for "cold" (krýo) and "water" (neró), is a nod to the settlement's history and its emblem, an Ionic column with a pine tree.

What sets this pharmacy apart is its unique shelving system. The vertical wooden elements follow a parametric variable curve, creating a curved visual field for visitors. This design allows customers to take in the entire product display within seconds, enhancing their shopping experience. The design's originality lies in its ability to target the visitor's whole perception, enabling them to rapidly see all the products on display.

The pharmacy's design was realized using a 3-axis Computer Numerical Control router, which fabricated the twenty-four unique elements of the custom shelving display system from plywood veneer sheets. The floor is covered with waterproof resinous cement to prevent erosion by tinctures and acids, and special layouts have been designed for placing medicine drawers that can be reached from the till. The laboratory features stainless steel sinks and refrigerators for medicines and vaccines, and specific places have been designed for equipment such as high-accuracy scales, volumetric tubes, magnetic heated baths, and heat-resistant vials.

The design team, KAAF Architects, Alexandros Kitriniaris, and Verina Myroforidou, faced the challenge of transforming an empty interior space into a functional pharmacy store. The primary intention was to create a changing scene, where each element is contextualised, directing the visitor's eye and movement along the product display. The design successfully separates and unites the laboratory, storeroom, and washrooms with the main space of the pharmacy shopping area, creating a functionally unified space.

The Cure & Care Pharmacy project began in May 2015 and was completed in November 2015. Its innovative design has not only increased the pharmacy's clientele and sales but also the time customers spend in the shop space, thanks to the immediate functional and visual continuity of the space. The design's success is evident in its recognition with the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade reserved for designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the Cure & Care Pharmacy by Kitriniaris and Myroforidou is a remarkable example of how innovative design can transform a traditional space like a pharmacy into a unique shopping experience. By drawing inspiration from the natural landscape and incorporating a unique shelving system, the designers have created a space that is not only functional but also visually engaging.