The interiors of dermatology practice Dra. Skin in Medellín communicate its clinical professionalism while signalling its position as a wellness space.

Key features

Dra. Skin is a dermatological centre dedicated to skin and hair located in Medellín, Colombia. Ar_ea was commissioned to design the space, balancing the clinic’s technology and science-based approach with wellness. Drawing inspiration from the architect John Heiduk, the designers used a ‘diamond configuration’, where bounding elements were rotated 45 degrees to the fixed reinforced concrete structure. This system creates a spatially diverse interior.

Contrasted by the geometry of the floorplan, guests are greeted by a circular reception area. The circle motif is present throughout the space in the form of round ring-light mirrors and lighting features. Organic, gentle curved walls invoke a sense of calm. Light-toned stucco is used throughout the common areas, its rough texture mimicking stone. In the waiting area, an oval-shaped bench with rock formations at the centre is balanced by a stainless-steel column. Bachiara stone sourced in Colombia was hand-carved into furniture pieces in the waiting area to help break up material monotony, with white leather seating. A retail area is placed behind opaque glass, encouraging guests to have a closer look at shoppable products. Consultation and treatment areas are treated with medical professionalism, clean white surfaces and stainless steel to invoke the clinic’s science-backed approach.

FRAME’s take

Dermatology practice isn’t only about the health of skin but has evolved to concern the beauty of it too. Clients in search of cosmetic procedures are likely a different demographic from those purely in search of a doctor for a check-up; the skin and hair care clinic’s interiors communicate its specific position. Straying from interiors that are too ‘clinical’, Dra. Skin demonstrates its professionalism to visitors. It differentiates itself from being purely a medical setting. The stone-like hues and textures align with those of wellness spaces while treatment areas are distinguished with clean white and stainless steel surfaces. As the line between health and wellness continues to blur, so do the design approaches historically characteristic of either of such spaces.