Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
Smile Clinic
- A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Yuanpei interior Decoration Co., Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 18,812
- Verification code 8CF02B14DB · Verify this award
About Smile Clinic
Smile is the interior design of a dental clinic in Taipei, Taiwan. The 400 square meter space occupies the second floor of a street corner building and receives daylight from three sides. The existing palette of black, white and gray is softened with beige tones. The reception wall is finished in hand-applied paint that fades from gray to white. A curved light channel in the floor guides visitors, and glass blocks diffuse soft light. Mineral coatings, quartz, mirrored metal and curved forms are used, and all finishes are easy to clean.
Smile Clinic by PAO-CHIEH CHOU and TZE-HSIN SUN exemplifies the contemporary movement toward phenomenologically-informed healthcare environments that prioritize psychological comfort alongside clinical functionality, demonstrating how architectural form can actively participate in therapeutic experience. The designers appear to draw upon traditions of monastic architecture and Japanese spatial philosophy, where reduction of visual complexity and material continuity create conditions for mental stillness and focused attention. The sculptural reception element functions simultaneously as functional furniture and spatial anchor, its flowing contours suggesting organic forms found in nature, perhaps evoking smooth river stones or eroded geological formations that carry associations of time, patience, and natural processes of transformation. The deliberate employment of microcement across all major surfaces achieves remarkable material unity, eliminating visual joints and transitions that might interrupt the eye's contemplative movement through space. The glass brick screen introduces texture and rhythm while maintaining the overall luminosity essential to the composition, its industrial heritage transformed through careful integration into an element of refined beauty. One might observe how the arched portal at right suggests threshold passage, a transitional moment between public reception and private treatment spaces, rendered with the reverence typically reserved for sacred architecture. The work invites consideration of how contemporary design practice increasingly recognizes the healing potential of spatial experience itself, proposing that environments shaped with intentionality and aesthetic sensitivity may contribute meaningfully to wellbeing beyond mere functional accommodation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- To preserve brand symbolism, the designer repurposed the original acrylic circular emblem and reinstalled it in the new lobby ceiling, symbolizing continuity and renewal. A standout feature is the reception wall, finished in gradient hand-applied paint that fades from gray to white, representing both dental purification and the flow of light. A curved light channel in the floor guides visitors, while glass blocks and organic contours echo tooth-like forms, reinforcing the brand's modern, refined identity.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The 400 sqm clinic on the second floor enjoys 270-degree street-corner exposure, flooding the space with natural light. The design preserves original corridors while removing excess partitions to enhance flow and openness. The lobby was transformed into a striking reception area with a strong depth of field. Private treatment rooms, storage, and restrooms are positioned beyond the lobby, creating clear zones and smooth circulation, balancing continuity with modern innovation.
- Tags
- Light-Shadow Harmony, Renewal, Teeth, Curved Design, Industrial Style, Eco-Friendly Materials
- Production Technology
- The palette builds on the brand's black, white, and gray, with beige added to soften the tone and maintain cleanliness and warmth. Materials were chosen for both aesthetics and hygiene, including mineral coatings, Mikado quartz, glass blocks, mirrored metal, and custom detailing, creating a refined industrial feel. All finishes are easy to clean and resist stains, helping reduce bacterial buildup. The lighting plan uses natural daylight to enhance tonal layers and support the concept of harmony between light and shadow.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was preserving the clinic's brand identity while introducing new elements. Designers prioritized environmental values by avoiding major structural changes, retaining reusable materials, and minimizing demolition waste. The owner's specific material and color preferences required balancing creative vision with practical needs. The low ceiling posed lighting and spatial challenges, which were carefully addressed through precise lighting design and thoughtful material transitions to enhance openness and comfort.
- Project Duration
- The project finished in March 2025 in Taiwan.
- Operation Flow
- The owner praised the renovation for skillfully blending contrasting materials like mirrored metal and rugged stone into a cohesive design. This bold mix sparked a compelling visual dialogue. The project exceeded brand expectations and earned enthusiastic feedback from loyal clients, who described it as 'stunning' and 'refreshingly different.' Despite its modern feel, familiar elements and circulation were carefully preserved, showcasing the designers' meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful planning.
- Research
- The renovation of this Taipei dental clinic balances function and aesthetics, preserving its black-and-white identity while adding beige tones and metallics for elegance. Designers transformed challenges like low ceilings by guiding visitors from darkness to light via a glass block wall and curved lighting. Gradient-painted walls symbolize dental restoration. Key brand elements like the acrylic logo remain, while materials such as quartz, mineral paint, and mirrored steel ensure visual appeal and hygiene.
- Inspiration
- This project renovates an existing dental clinic to refresh its brand identity with a contemporary touch. Formerly defined by a monochrome black palette, the clinic, known for aesthetic treatments like whitening and veneers, embraced the theme 'Harmonizing Light and Shadow: A Rebirth of I Smile.' Beige tones were introduced to soften the space, while material transitions and lighting gradients create a sense of dynamic flow. The result reflects the clinic's evolution toward a refined, modern professional image.
- Image Credits
- Yuanpei Interior Decoration Co., Ltd.