Smiling Into Surgery
An ophthalmology surgical center where functional design meets creative vision
Patients facing outpatient eye surgery often experience significant stress. A new surgical centre for ophthalmology changes that equation by welcoming patients into a warm, calming environment—one that puts a genuine smile on their faces. This expansion of an existing ophthalmology practice to a new location exemplifies how thoughtful design merges functional requirements with creative expression.
"Open your eyes" serves as the guiding vision behind Leimkühler Atelier's design. To establish this distinctive atmosphere, the team projected a backlit "Extinct Animals" motif across the walls, creating an immediate visual impact. Illuminated seating islands organize the waiting area, while strategic light installations enhance the sense of calm and comfort. Warm materials—natural wood, wood-effect flooring, and fabric wall treatments—reinforce this welcoming aesthetic. The project presented a significant challenge: completely reimagining an entire floor of a 30-year-old office building to seamlessly accommodate the surgical centre's spatial requirements. The layout divides into two distinct zones: a public waiting area and a strictly controlled surgical suite. Despite their separation, both spaces needed technical and visual continuity to feel cohesive and integrated. The technical execution—especially the intricate ceiling fixtures that evoke the precision of power plant schematics—demanded expertise and meticulous attention to detail. The visual design language bridges both zones, while surgical-area systems were engineered into the plan from the start to maintain the highest hygiene standards.
Every built-in element and counter was custom-designed in-house, including specialized seating tested for durability under demanding use. The compressed timeline demanded precisely coordinated trades to maintain both quality and schedule. A sophisticated lighting strategy anchors the entire atmosphere. Oversized backlit walls featuring tropical imagery and pendant fixtures with playful parrot designs inject personality and establish a memorable identity. Crucially, humour was woven throughout the design without compromising functionality—transforming the centre into a place where patients genuinely feel at ease.
Photography:
Jörg Holtkamp
www.joergholtkamp.com
(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|25)
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