starsis brings retro to new york braces dental office in seoul

located in a small building adorned with old tiles in gangnam-gu, seoul, the ‘new york braces dental’ by studio starsis is a fresh take on orthodontic office spaces. from the beginning, the design has been influenced by three main features: new york, a second home of the client where he spent his shining twenties and thirties; the retro era with unique images made up of rich colors and textures; braces, the orthodontist’s speciality. 

entrance view
all images © hong seokgyu

although presenting a hygienic image through clean and regularized space, dentist’s offices usually cause vague discomfort and tension, as starsis puts it. ‘it is already scary when you listen to the noise from machines and pick up the characteristic smell of dentistry. I was especially fearful of the moment when I had to wait my turn in a rigid-feeling, brightly-lit waiting area’, explains the designer. therefore, it was necessary to create a comfortable hub while maintaining a hygienic image. in that sense, retro-like furniture and props are displayed to reduce the feeling of discomfort. by doing so, the studio hopes to chase away tension with an enjoyable cup of coffee.

circular wooden ornaments: material used in making wood handles, stair railing, and decorative products

typically, orthodontic braces are installed in order to correct uneven teeth by using brackets usually made of metals. teeth and brackets – two materials with different characteristics, building a harmony to achieve a single purpose – create one strong image. therefore, the image of orthodontics can be seen throughout the space — where different materials become interconnected with each other to create one piece of furniture. as an example, the ‘braces table’ reception desk in front of the first floor entrance uses uneven circular wooden ornaments, balanced with steel materials, to provide a space with a unique feeling of stability.

resting area on the first basement level – a small bar is installed to enjoy tea and coffee

the shelves, made from connecting circular pipes and finished lumbers, provide a soft feel to the all-white space

characteristics of retro design have been reduced, and a more refined space is born

first floor: comfortable furnishings and soft natural light, in harmony with wooden feel and small props

doctor’s office on the first floor 

customers can read superficial-looking phrases about the doctor’s educational background

powder zone: a space where one can quickly wash face or brush teeth after medical treatment

floor plan B1

floor plan 1F

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom