mal vi architects: ORL clinic

‘ORL clinic’ by mal-vi architects, thessaloniki, greece image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

greek architecture firm mal-vi has created ‘ORL clinic’ in thessaloniki, greece which focuses on visually communicating
the purpose of one’s visit while breaking the stereotypical expectations of what a doctor’s office should look like.
the main feature of the lobby is a wall application cut from MDF (medium-density fiberboard). the slats are each formed
to create the illusion that an acoustic wave is traveling through the surface, a reflection of the practitioner’s field of specialty.
the same slats wrap around the reception area, forming a desk using the continuous lines. left untreated,
the simplicity of the material contrasts with the intricacy of the shapes it creates.

wrapped application turns into a reception desk image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

lobby and reception area image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

slits turn into a reception desk image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

door camouflaged into wall application image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

detail of slats image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

waiting area image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

doctor’s office image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

detail of raised lettering as it becomes highlighted by the light image © giorgio papadopoulos courtesy of mal-vi architects

the walls of the waiting room are covered with the hippocratic oath. the main words are highlighted by laser-cut acrylic glass.

as they are lifted from the wall, the acrylic modulates the light and creates a unique three dimensional effect.

project info:

type: healthcare

size: 90 square metres (970 square feet)

project: 2011

progress: completed – 2011