Owned by three young dentists, The Urban Dentist has been designed by Studio Karhard to look like a “concept store or cool bar”. Not a big challenge for the studio, who’s founders Thomas Karsten and Alexandra Erhard were responsible for developing the interiors of Berghain – a renowned electronica nightclub in eastern Berlin that occupies a former power plant.
The clinic is situated at a busy traffic junction near Berlin‘s S-Bahn railway line, lending it the name of The Urban Dentist.
At The Urban Dentist, everything is focused on the individual customer experience. Dental phobia impacts an estimated 5% to 10% of the population, and one study found that nearly 60% of participants reported dental anxiety. It stands to reason that a serene environment could help ease patients’ stress. Therefore the layout of the store is closely based more on a concept store or a bar rather than a dentist surgery.
By using a bold color palette and programmable light walls, the duo was able to create veritable visual distractions for patients. The environment is both industrial and indulgent; rough construction elements balance out the candied detailing. Using natural materials, Studio Karhard underlines the craftsmanship of the interior products – they selected eco-friendly furniture, and nearly everything was locally designed and built.
There is a colorful bar counter in the front part and a lounge area with sofas and a backlit glass wall in the back. The space is dominated by the rough construction elements, a dark floor and wall coverings consisting of stainless steel and backlit glass elements which are programmable and changing light atmosphere constantly.
The surgery rooms are dominated by customized furniture consists of brass framing, covers in pink powder linoleum and a colorful tabletop made of natural stone terrazzo.
