The Concept
The Dental Oasis aims at creating a sense of tranquility for oral health patients especially those with dental anxiety.
The Problem
Dental anxiety affects 13-24% of the population worldwide.
It affects the patients physically (where they ignore their dental treatment till it becomes a case of emergency), psychologically (they feel anxious or phobic to visit the dentist) and socially (they get embarrassed by their teeth appearance)
The Causes
Most of the stimuli in the dental office are of sensory nature. The distinct smells, sounds and visuals trigger patients anxiety. Other triggers include long waiting times, loss of control and fear of the unknown. The design uses the theory of biophilia give the patients a more relaxing atmosphere.
Concept and Inspiration
Just like how an oasis provides refuge, relief and a pleasant experience for travelers across the desert, the dental oasis provides its patients with a sense of safety, comfort and positive distraction though their times of distress. The project took inspiration from Qatar's local geography.
Research and Design Considerations
Colors
. Earthy tones is used to mimic the colors found in the oasis and promote relaxation.
. In the treatment rooms, contrast is avoided between walls, floors and ceilings to prevent staff’s eyestrain.
Acoustics
. Walls penetrate the ceiling membrane to prevent the transmission of noise
. Vegetation is used abundantly to absorb sound waves
. Sound absorptive materials and finishes are used such as wood, upholestered furniture and acoustic paint.
Lighting
. The space is bathed in natural light to create the feeling of openess. Warm artificial lighting mimics the warm light in nature and increases relaxation.
. Transition of color temperature from the reception area to the clinics decreases visual discomfort.
. A dark multisensory room with colored LED lights is used to calm the pediatric patients before their appointments
IAQ
. HVAC with HEPA filters is used to purify the air
. Vegetation is used for its air purifying qualities.
. Seamless antimicrobial and easily cleaned finishes is specified in the treatment areas.
Ergonomics
Different furniture heights are used in the different areas to suit the different age ranges.
. Different seating layouts in the waiting areas increase the sense of control and cater for the different seating preferences
. All spaces are ADA compliant. Door widths are 914 mm. Corridor width are 1525 mm in diameter
. Way finding is easy to decrease confusion
Renders
Waiting area
Clinic
Kids' multisensory waiting area
Reception
waiting area
waiting area
clinic
Alternative
therapy room
Stimulus
shelter
Clinic
Clinic
Clinic
Xray
Tower's core
Dark room
Sterilization
Lab
Compressor
Waste
Stimulus
shelter
Pediatric clinic
Pediatric clinic
Pediatric clinic
Pediatric clinic
waiting area
KIds
waiting area
Staff lounge
Business
office
Director's
office
Storage
Tower's core
Rendered lower floor (7th)
Rendered upper floor (8th)
Lower floor RCP (7th)
Section showing walls penetrating ceiling membrane for noise control
