After updating the 1970s aesthetic, the Grand Lancy Medical Center served as a clear example of why color psychology and wall repositioning are important to keep a medical office from looking like something out of a horror movie.
Remodeling medical spaces requires special attention to detail, as factors like lighting and decor significantly influence both spatial functionality and patient experience. This is particularly crucial for a pediatric office like the one at the Grand Lancy Medical Center in Geneva, as a child’s ongoing medical care depends on not associating the space with something to be avoided out of fear. For this project, careful consideration was given to spatial distribution and color psychology, allowing for a blend of the pediatrician’s personality with typical interior design principles.
Today, it’s unimaginable to inhabit a closed space without windows, but an abundance of them doesn’t guarantee optimal natural or even artificial lighting. This conclusion was reached after conducting a study within the 30 square meters of the pediatric office at the Grand Lancy Medical Center. Neither the patients nor the pediatrician could be in the office without being affected by the gloomy atmosphere created by obstructive interior walls, the northwest orientation of the windows, and outdated decor.
Therefore, the first major renovation began during the holiday period in 2014, taking care not to interrupt the work of neighboring colleagues. It started with the partial demolition of the office wall by the construction company Vilanova.
Once the space was adapted to maximize natural light from the northwest, new aesthetic lines were defined to transform the office from a standard appearance to a more unconventional one. The consultation area shifted from a cold, sterile look to a modern office.
The examination area was painted in a green tone that, according to color psychology, promotes calmness. Beyond relying solely on color psychology, great emphasis was placed on incorporating decor based on play to make it more enjoyable for children. Now, the pediatrician’s personal collection of Legos fills the shelves, and the walls are adorned with art pieces themed around superhero toys created by AmbienTo déco.
The final result was positive, as the daily routine within the office became fluid and non-threatening. The reconstruction of each corner had an impact, as young patients were more focused on the play area than on medical instruments. Moreover, when the office functioned as a workspace, the pediatrician reported being able to endure long working hours, thanks to a broader and more stimulating field of vision.
