Studio Dental II

Situated within a rapidly developing neighborhood in San Francisco’s financial district, the dentists’ brick and mortar location is defined by a modern aesthetic, while honoring the historic elements of the base building. This creates a transcendent environment that feels gallery-like and serene. The design centers on a conceptual ‘lantern’ within the dark building core, which communicates a sense of scale, luminescence, and transparency, and envelopes the series of operatories within. The lantern wall panels not only light up the dark building shell, but also glow through the storefront to brighten the street. The lantern provides patient privacy while engaging with the pedestrian streetfront, in an effort to energize the surrounding community. In place of a common waiting room, a park-like bench extends the length of the space. Wood trellises provide separation between the bench and operatory rooms without closing off the space. Moments of material contrast are introduced between the rough shell walls, smoked mirror panels, and central colonnade of maple monoliths, which serve as functional storage and define the entry to each private patient room. With the success of their first dental office, which is mobile and serves the greater San Francisco community, the clients desired a brick and mortar home. As a starting point, the clients wanted a design that reflected the progressive attitude of their practice. In their new location, they wanted to continue the community outreach they'd developed with the mobile office. The site they chose is in the heart of Tenderloin district, an area once home to a thriving music scene, now one of San Francisco’s most troubled neighborhoods. Their hope is that this project will play an active role in the ongoing revitalization of this community. From the street, the symbolic aim of the design is to project openness, warmth, and serenity. The sustainable intent for the project was one of restoration. Located in a historic building, the project carefully preserves various original elements, including: the storefront, where the original glazing proportions were restored, as well as the original marble bulkheads; and the interior mezzanine, repurposed for storage and staff offices. The intent being to make use of, and celebrate, the existing urban fabric.