Dra. SKIN. Derma Institute

Dra. SKIN. Derma Institute | Medellín, Colombia | 2023
[ar_ea]

Dra. Skin is a dermatological center dedicated to skin and hair care located in Medellin, Colombia. It is a place centered around innovation (technology and science) and body wellness, comprised of a collection of spaces defined by gentle curved walls that dissolve the separation between space, art, atmosphere, and light.

The floor plan distribution is inspired by the research of architect and artist John Hejduk (1929-2000, New York) on the architectural implications of the “diamond configuration”: a forty-five-degree rotation of bounding elements with respect to an orthogonal system.

This is how Dra. Skin is organized based on an orthogonal system (a reinforced concrete structural system), and the rotation of walls and dividing surfaces. The square floor plan is divided by six grid lines, intersecting at 9 rectangular concrete columns, forming the system that will organize and allow the rotation of walls, seeking diverse spatiality that changes in section according to its use, providing a journey for the visiting user.

The materiality is composed of a single element and color. Understanding the project through its use, we decided to use a high-specification stucco as a low-maintenance and highly aseptic material. The walls have a horizontal, rough texture and a light tone that blends with stainless steel elements and translucent glass surfaces, allowing glimpses of the interior. To break away from the monochromatic palette of the space and solid forms, the decision was made to incorporate Barichara stone in the material and formal composition. This stone, extracted from mines in Santander, Colombia, is characterized by a rustic texture and earthy tones. We use it by introducing hand-carved pieces into furniture, and the hand-carved rustic stone takes a prominent place in the reception area of the space. Text description by the architects.