The building situated at Lange Bisschopstraat 18 is a significant landmark. It boasts a rectangular layout and is distinguished by its lofty ceiling. Moreover, a stunning ornament hangs from the center of the ceiling, lending personality to the structure. Despite having fulfilled various roles in the past, the building retains its well-kept appearance. Presently, it serves as a children's clothing store. As a student of Interior Design and Styling, I have been assigned the responsibility of devising a revitalization strategy for the premises. The objective is to convert it into a cosmetic clinic.

Conceptbeeld

The cosmetic clinic specializes in custom-fitting and designing ocular prosthetics. The concept aims to enhance the self-confidence of individuals with artificial eyes, thereby promoting mental well-being.

The concept image depicts my own retina, making it a deeply personal image with its own narrative. It was captured during one of my retina surgeries in 2013. Following an unsuccessful strabismus surgery, I was admitted to the Eye Hospital in Rotterdam, where immediate surgery was conducted due to a retinal detachment.

Since birth, I have been completely blind in my left eye. Consequently, I perceive depth differently from the norm, relying on a process of "trial and error" to navigate the world. This adaptation has allowed me to engage in activities without limitations, including driving a car—an achievement of which I am particularly proud.

Given the emotional challenge of contemplating an ocular prosthesis for myself, I have opted to center both the concept image and the entire project on an eye clinic.

Final design

The final design for the cosmetic eye clinic has been developed based on initial sketch designs, a preliminary design, and feedback from teachers, fellow students, and potential stakeholders. The design aims to address the question: "How can we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to qualify for the production of custom-made prostheses?" The following descriptions elucidate the design choices made during the process, accompanied by floor plans illustrating the final layout of the building at Lange Bisschopstraat 18.

Extensive research has informed the design process to ensure it meets the primary question's objectives. Consequently, the entire layout has been carefully crafted to be wheelchair and stroller accessible. Modifications include installing a ramp at the entrance for accessibility and eliminating all other thresholds within the building, taking into account wheelchair maneuverability. Moreover, a disabled toilet has been incorporated. The design is also suitable for various age groups, having been evaluated from multiple perspectives during development. It is devoid of sharp objects and accessible to individuals of all ages. Virtual Reality technology has been utilized to navigate through different levels of the building. Additionally, no specific theme has been applied; instead, a balanced mix for diverse age groups has been pursued to ensure everyone feels welcome.

The entrance to the building is positioned on the left side and equipped with a ramp for accessibility, chosen to minimize the perceived "threshold" at the clinic's entrance. This modest entrance placement aims to provide a safer and more familiar atmosphere, departing from the notion of a grand entrance typically associated with clinics.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a vestibule, separated from the waiting room by automatic sliding doors to prevent drafts. Before proceeding to the waiting room, patrons have access to the MIVA toilet, designed for both customers and staff.

Inside, the reception desk awaits, where visitors register before being directed to the waiting room. The compact waiting area ensures that only one treatment occurs at a time, minimizing simultaneous waiting. However, as patients may bring companions, two seats are provided. Subsequently, healthcare providers guide patients from the waiting room to treatment rooms.

During introductions or treatment initiation, discussions take place around the chairs and coffee table in the treatment room, fostering a comfortable environment conducive to informal communication, trust-building, and emotional expression. After discussions, patients assume the treatment chair for the procedure.

Following treatment, practitioners escort clients back to the waiting room, where further appointments can be scheduled if necessary, before exiting through the entrance.

Subsequent to treatment, eye prostheses are crafted in the laboratory, situated on the far right side of the building. The laboratory houses all requisite materials and tools for prosthesis design.

A storage room adjacent to the treatment room and laboratory stores necessary supplies and tools. The room's dual accessibility ensures ease of use.

A staircase leads to the first floor, serving as a prominent design element symbolizing the iris. Combined with the reception desk, these elements form an eye when viewed on the floor plan. The first floor accommodates staff, changing, and technical rooms. Upon ascending the stairs, visitors arrive at the staff room, versatile for meetings or dining.

The changing and technical rooms are situated adjacent to the staff room, providing facilities for staff attire changes and technical operations, respectively. Unobstructed access to the technical room ensures ease of use if required.

The design of the cosmetic eye clinic reflects the vision and concept by providing accessibility to all requiring custom-made eye prostheses. Elements forming an eye create a cohesive link between the vision and concept, serving as an "eyecatcher" within the building. The translation of the concept into a workable design is successful, boasting a logical layout and close proximity of essential elements for employee and customer convenience.