When the clients—a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon—showed us pictures of the kind of interior they wanted for their Mumbai clinic, we realised that all the references were from homes,” says Namrataa Shetty of Studio Namah. Clearly, the aesthetic had to steer away from a sterile ambience which would intimidate patients. “We had to go beyond the functional—unusual in a space used for professional purposes,” says designer and project head, Neil Cresto.
The aim was to reverse the negative associations with a doctor’s clinic to make the space welcoming and hospitable. The design duo settled on a monochromatic Scandinavian look without colour pops to create a soothing, appealing ambience. “We also had a height constraint to work with,” says Shetty. “We had to conceal the services with a false ceiling, since this was not an industrial aesthetic. What we were left with was a floor to ceiling height of just 8.6 feet.
A common thread that runs throughout the spaces is white walls and sheer curtains. Wooden flooring anchors the look and customised wicker furniture adds to the relaxed aesthetic. A grid appears repeatedly in surface treatments—whether it is panelling on the walls created from MDF or a display of art, or the shelving, this ordered geometry seeps into the subconscious. Arched doors, windows and niches soften the linearity. A scatter of plants—large and small—uplifts and refreshes the spaces with a natural energy. Gold accents add a touch of luxury.
The layout brief included a medium sized reception area to accommodate seating for nine patients, two separate VIP waiting rooms, two consulting rooms, six treatment rooms, two washrooms, a back office, and a pantry.
“Since there was a large beam running right through the middle of the reception area, we decided to have two separate desks on either side, attaining balance in design and form,” says Shetty. “The seating for visitors, however, was consciously designed differently on both sides: one with a comfortable tan couch and the other with individual formal chairs.”
The backdrop to the reception area is a large arched door with fluted glass, defining the VIP waiting areas. Hazy shadows are visible through a diffused glow of light. Within, comfortable accent chairs are complemented by large planters and wooden shelving accessorised with earthy elements.
The dermatologist’s room employs softer and more feminine touches. Attention to small details shows in an off-centre painting on the wall behind the desk. “If we had placed it in the centre, it would not be visible when she sat in her chair,” says Shetty. Pink Michelangelo marble makes the base of the desk. Even the accessories on the wall shelves have been hand-picked, largely in sand, beige and biscuit tones to complement the colour palette. An interesting touch is the zen garden in a tray on the desk, used by the client for meditation and relaxation by raking patterns in the loose sand. A wicker modesty panel was customised under the desk, and an armchair with a footstool upholstered in a checked fabric is placed on a raised platform near the arched windows.
The plastic surgeon’s room is more conventional. White Statuario and Black Marquina marble lend a formality to the room, and the heavy marble shelving behind the desk subtly adds gravitas. The treatment rooms keep functional requirements in mind, with serene white walls, floor length sheer white curtains and abstract art on the walls creating a cocoon of calm. The plush washrooms are identical and could be in any high-end home. There is a travertine finish on the walls as well as counter that’s embedded with a customised washbasin. The ceiling spots cast arcs of light and shadow on the walls.
Every effort has been made to imbue each part of this Mumbai clinic with relaxing, inviting touches, while maintaining a clean, simple palette. Certainly, it would minimise the likelihood that the stress of visiting a doctor would be at the top of anyone’s mind in these calm environs.
