EARLY MEDICAL CENTRE
The design of Early Medical Centre is the synthesis of two essential elements: a client journey and a space. The journey is a discrete set of encounters, tests, and consultations designed in sequence to reveal a client’s health baseline. The space was a large, empty, rectangular unit broken only by a large set of central structural columns. Designing around the columns, the space was organised in a way whereby the client will move around the columns in a circular procession. Rejecting the claustrophobic corridors and divisions of traditional medical facilities, client flow and circulatory experience were prioritised. To reinforce this intention, auxiliary functions were built around the central columns while medical programs line the space’s periphery.
Rounded corners and seamless surfaces complement this circulation. A gentle peach gradient climbs up the walls, evoking a sunrise and highlighting the smooth lines in the space. Notably, the dominant central column takes on a capsule - or obround - shape. The obround eschews the hard lines and sterility of typical medical spaces without falling prey to the trend of overly-organic forms found in too many contemporary, lifestyle-oriented establishments. It is both comforting and serious, light and solid. Throughout the space, this formal motif is employed at various scales, creating experiential continuity and a sensual satisfaction that awakens the mind and invites interaction.
The front half of the space is left as open as possible to permit flexible programming and reflect the transparency of Early’s mission. Instead of using partition walls or dividers to separate its programmatic elements, full-height cove ceilings, sinuous lines in the flooring, and dynamic lighting subtly zone the space. Custom furniture, including modular lounge seating, privacy chairs, and phlebotomy pods paired with matching nursing trollies are spread throughout the expanse. For each custom furniture element, great care was taken to ensure proper ergonomics, hygiene, and privacy while remaining mobile and minimal enough to permit a full view of the space from any angle.
The materials selection was made with careful attention to sanitary and durability requirements, prioritising honesty of materials with respect to form and function without feeling overly clinical. This is accomplished through material, colour, and formal choices that destabilise expectations of a traditional medical facility.
A monochrome palette is disrupted by peachy soffits and wallpaper to highlight the curves of the space and stainless steel accents provide a soothing texture at points of client-staff interaction. Once inside the consultation rooms, muted colour combinations and natural stone countertops provide a soothing environment.
Before leaving, the client will likely stop by the most notable visual feature of Early: the pharmacy. To the left of the entrance, a grid of glowing drawers climbs to the ceiling. Despite their unusual materiality, the drawers of Early’s pharmacy are inspired by traditional Chinese medicine hall cabinets, a subtle reference to the practice’s focus on prevention, as opposed to reactive treatment. Using subtle colouring and gently curved drawer fronts, the pharmacy has a monolithic and compelling quality that invites continued engagement.
Having travelled a full cycle through the space, although entering and exiting at the same point, the client can re-enter the world better informed and ready to take their health into their own hands.
