Client Focused Design: Approach for Kid-Friendly Dentistry

A process-oriented approach to architecture focuses on the method and journey with the client’s design rather than just a race to the end product. This approach values understanding the client's needs and the context of the project. Our process-oriented approach encourages deep connection to the client's vision and the site's specific challenges and opportunities, leading to more meaningful designs. It encourages us as designers to explore different design solutions, and foster creativity and innovation. Experimenting with various materials, forms, value engineering and spatial arrangements, designers can unearth solutions a rigid, product-driven approach might overlook. Design is not static, and through relentless dedication to an effective process, our designers are equipped to adapt to changes in client requirements, regulatory environments, or, in this crazy atmosphere of limited material availability, for a resilient and relevant design.

During Discovery, we created a program and scope for a new dental facility with an initial budgeting effort. The focus for the client and the design team was a kid-centric design, and every discipline contributed. The plumbing system included “kid-sized” water closets and sinks in addition to typical restroom fixtures. As pictured, a whimsical separate set of small kids' doors were created to help them feel comfortable as they entered. The dentist can be intimidating to children, and every effort was made to decrease anxiety. Built-in furniture was designed to minimize hazards for small children. The floor finishes focused on various patterns and a race car theme to attract the children’s attention in the waiting room. We also focused on specialized dental design features, including five enclosed operation rooms and a total of 12 operation chairs. The office and reception support spaces conveyed the KiDDS professional but playful culture. Safety features and technology included sterilization, imaging lab, and an infant oral health area. Special acoustical design elements included sound deadening sheetrock and isolation walls to address the owners' concerns about sound traveling between exam rooms, another multi-discipline effort, as special mechanical design attention was provided to minimize noise transfer between patient rooms with duct silencers, sound lining, and strategic placement of air inlets/outlets. Three imaging suites were designed with lead glass windows for radiation protection, we designed a medical gas system with oxygen and nitrous oxide to serve patient treatment rooms. The equipment throughout the clinic required close coordination between the mechanical and electrical engineers. Heating and cooling was sustainable and cost effective, a high efficiency ground source heat pump system with 12 zones utilizing water-to-air source heat pump units. This enhanced ventilation with a heat recovery ventilator providing exhaust terminals in the various rooms throughout the building. This client was focused on creating a warm, inviting and playful environment for their pediatric patients. We approached the challenge of pediatric dentistry by incorporating what was kid friendly, and made the space inviting, engaging and comfortable for kids, even fencing the stormwater pond for child safety.