CONCEPT DESIGN PROPOSAL

SMILEY DENTAL

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The design project involves converting the heritage-listed former Lance Holt School at 10 Henry Street, Fremantle, WA 6160, into a dental day procedure unit. Originally a primary school, the site was listed as a State Heritage Place in 2004. The design focuses on transforming the interior to accommodate a modern dental clinic while preserving the existing exterior façade. With no other dental clinics nearby and strong public transport connectivity, the location offers a strategic advantage.

Aims
The project aims to create an evidence-based, people-centered built environment that promotes the best possible outcomes for patients, visitors, and staff. The design integrates functionality, modern clinical standards, and world-class creativity to ensure client satisfaction, comfort, and confidence.

Objectives

  • To develop a facility that meets both functional and aesthetic standards for a modern dental clinic.
  • To design a layout that enhances patient experience and staff efficiency, providing a clear, stress-free environment.
  • To contribute positively to the architectural character of the neighbourhood and support appreciation of the built heritage.

SITE

RESEARCH

FACTORS AFFECTING STRESS AND HEALING PROCESS

Numerous studies have highlighted the prevalence of anxiety in clinical and medical settings. Stress often arises when there is a mismatch between environmental demands and an individual’s coping capacity (Ghasem and Vojdanzadeh, 2015). Factors such as overcrowding, noise, lack of privacy, glare, and poorly chosen interior colour schemes can intensify stress levels, negatively affecting the healing process. Dental anxiety, in particular, is a widespread global issue, with prevalence rates ranging from 4% to 20% across different countries (Zegan et al., 2019). This anxiety can lead to avoidance of essential dental care, resulting in both direct and indirect health complications.

 

Nosocomephobia
(The fear of hospital environment)

An unfamiliar environment lacking the comforts of home—combined with the fear of bad news, the smell of medication, and the anticipation of painful procedures—can heighten patient anxiety.

 

Building Layout

A typical hospital layout can contribute to patient stress through:

  • Difficulties with wayfinding

  • Limited privacy

  • Reduced opportunities for social interaction.

  • Poor ventilation or unpleasant odours

Clutter

Clutter in typical hospitals often arises due to:

  • Inadequate storage solutions

  • Poor space planning

  • Excess medical equipment in patient areas

  • Inefficient workflow design

  • Lack of regular organisation and maintenance.

Poor interior design

Poor interior design elements that can increase patient stress levels:

  • Overcrowded spaces

  • Lack of natural light

  • Harsh artificial lighting or glare

  • Lack of visual and acoustic privacy
  • Lack of personal control over environmental conditions.
  • Uncomfortable furniture

DESIGN INTENT

CONCEPT STATEMENT

The design aims to create a welcoming environment enriched with natural light, warm textures and colour schemes, sustainable materials, and biophilic elements. This approach seeks to enhance the overall experience and satisfaction of patients, visitors, and staff while supporting the physical and mental well-being of all stakeholders.

Design Approaches to Support Mental Comfort and Wellbeing

To promote overall wellness, dental healthcare environments must be intentionally designed to reduce stress and foster healing. Research shows that the physical environment of healthcare settings can enhance both patient recovery and staff well-being (Sarapultseva et al., 2022). According to Ulrich (1991), effective healthcare design should support the following key characteristics to help patients manage stress:

  • A sense of control

  • Access to social support

  • Positive diversions and minimal exposure to negative distractions

Based on these principles, the following design considered are proposed for the dental unit:

1. Optimal Layout and Spatial Efficiency

Efficient spatial planning enhances workflow and reduces patient waiting time. Ward layouts and room arrangements should support easy access to services and enable staff to work efficiently. Adequate storage solutions are essential to avoid clutter, creating a clean and calming atmosphere.

2. Easy Wayfinding

A coordinated approach to internal layout and signage can make navigation simple and intuitive. Clear, logical pathways reduce confusion and anxiety, especially for first-time visitors, enhancing the overall patient experience.

3. Access to Natural Light

Incorporating large windows and designing rooms with sun orientation helps flood the interior with natural light. This has been shown to significantly reduce patient anxiety and alleviate staff stress, contributing to an overall healing environment.

4. Indoor Environmental Comfort

Ensuring thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort along with high indoor air quality is essential. These environmental factors not only improve the patient experience but also boost staff performance and reduce recovery time (Sarapultseva et al., 2022).

5. Integration of Nature

Biophilic design elements such as indoor plants, green walls, nature-inspired artwork, and views of greenery through windows have been found to reduce pain, stress, and mental fatigue (Totaforti, 2018). Incorporating such features into the dental unit will help humanise the space and improve psychological wellbeing for both patients and staff.

KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS

RECEPTION

The reception area of a dental practice plays a vital role as the first point of contact for patients, so it should be well-organized, visually appealing, and designed to evoke a sense of calm and comfort. Positioned close to the entrance, it creates an immediate warm and welcoming impression. A sleek, counter with two levels—a standard height for most users and a lower height for individuals with disabilities and children—ensures inclusivity and accessibility. Using a harmonious palette of warm neutrals with soft pastel accents, sustainable materials, and tactile textures balances hygiene with a welcoming atmosphere, while layered lighting and natural daylight enhance comfort and reduce glare.

Waiting Area

Another essential component of a dental practice is the waiting room, which should be located close to both the reception and consultation rooms for convenience. Its design should focus on helping patients feel relaxed and less anxious, creating a homely atmosphere rather than a traditional hospital setting. A simple yet personal décor, complemented by large windows, abundant natural light, biophilic elements, and thoughtfully selected artwork, can enhance comfort. Comfortable seating, charging stations for mobile devices, and a central table neatly arranged with magazines, newspapers, and brochures add both functionality and warmth, making the space inviting and patient-friendly.

Treatment Rooms

The treatment room is where all dental procedures are performed, making it one of the most critical spaces in a dental practice. Patient privacy is paramount and must be ensured through thoughtful spatial planning, soundproofing, and adherence to the design criteria outlined in the Australian Health Facility Guidelines. The environment should be comfortable, with well-regulated temperature and efficient air conditioning to promote relaxation and support pain management. Lighting should be carefully designed to provide clear visibility for precise clinical work while minimising glare and eliminating shadows. Incorporating ergonomic layouts for equipment placement, easy-to-clean surfaces, and adequate storage enhances workflow efficiency, supports infection control, and ensures a safe, calming experience for both patients and practitioners.

Consultation Rooms

Consultation rooms are essential for private conversations with patients and for providing education about diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive care. Next to the consultation room, an x-ray room is set up for imaging to ensure quick access to diagnostic services without disrupting patient flow.

These rooms should be designed for comfort and confidentiality, with soundproofing to protect patient privacy and a calming décor to reduce anxiety. Ergonomic furniture, adequate task lighting, and digital display screens can support clear communication and effective patient education. Easy access to dental records and imaging results within the space improves efficiency, while a clutter-free layout reinforces a professional and reassuring atmosphere.

Environmental Considerations

Category Design Approach
Acoustics Install acoustic ceiling tiles to absorb noise and enhance privacy. Locate all noise-generating equipment away from treatment, consultation, and recovery rooms.
Lighting Maximise natural light through large windows and an open floor plan to reduce patient anxiety and improve staff productivity. Provide ample artificial lighting, with colour-corrected and ceiling-mounted dental exam lights in treatment areas for precise, glare-free illumination.
Ventilation & Thermal Comfort Incorporate openable windows for natural ventilation and infection control. Use mechanical systems—fans, ducts, and exhausts—where needed to maintain air quality. Install advanced HVAC systems to regulate temperature and create a comfortable environment.
Furniture, Fittings & Equipment Select and install all items in accordance with Australian Health Facility Guidelines Part B – Health Facility Briefing and Planning, 0280 – Oral Health Unit.
Sustainability Maximise natural daylight, use energy-efficient appliances and equipment, source locally produced and readily available products, incorporate recycled and sustainable materials, select interior finishes free from harmful VOCs, and adhere to reduce, reuse, and recycle principles.

FLOOR LAYOUT