Norm Architects used modern finishes and neutral tones to create a minimal aesthetic at Dentology+ Clinic in Antwerp, Belgium.

Entering the new private dental clinic in Antwerp, Belgium, one senses an instant change in pace when the cityscape is replaced by a calming acoustic. As natural light filters through from the outside and highlights the subtle colors and rich textures of the carefully selected materials, the space feels warm and welcoming. Playing on the sensations and feelings that the selected materials evoke in us, the architecture is a comforting framework around its functions.

As our fast paced and modern lives demand ever more of our attention, so too does the need for calm, considerate moments of self-care – reflection becomes key. When working thoughtfully with architecture, we create the opportunity to redefine and reshape human perception and in turn work to create a space of urban refuge. At the core of redefining the dental experience is a sensibility, which identifies and acknowledges the role in which tactility, materiality, and light play in doing so – the interplay between these elements awakens the feelings central to how we experience space.

Moving away from the typical institutional look and feel of a dental clinic, the new space is quiet, calm, and warm. The ambition has been to redefine and reshape the dental experience and at the core of that is a sensibility, which acknowledges the importance of the way materials and natural light affect our well-being.

Playing on the dynamics between light and heavy; between the inherent qualities of concrete, wood, and textile, we create a space that speaks to all senses and invite exploration.

Making virtue of the cave-like features in the low concrete basement to create a grounded atmosphere, the architecture now embraces and protects those within. Heavy, carved out spaces create a dynamic and distinct, luxury feeling, while material mass and solidity work as a vehicle to construct a patient experience that is rich in warmth, serenity, and calmness.

When creating a landscape of volumes and in-between spaces, it feels as if the rooms are carved from a block of concrete. Working with its heaviness, we ended up with a solid and calm atmosphere, providing a comfortable setting unusual for dental clinics. Defining spaces in architecture and design should not merely be considered in terms of the drawn lines, but also in terms of the intervals and moments between them.

Design: Norm Architects
Design Team: Sofie Thorning, Qing Ye
Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen