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    • Design

    Modern minimalism and therepeutic nuances define a Mumbai clinic by Aum Architects

    AUG 16, 2024 | By Tejal Pednekar
    Plaid seats with artworks and wall sconces embellish separate cooling pods. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; furniture from Lavie; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve
    Away from the isolated cooling pods, the clinic has a communal seating space behind the sinuous partition wall with the reception on the other side. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; furniture from IKEA; art from Arte’Venue; wallpaper from The Arty Garage; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve

    The interiors of a doctor’s office are typically envisaged to be austere and daunting, devoid of personal touches. But this notion takes a 180 degree flip with Sculpta — a cosmetic practice in Mumbai crafted by Aum Architects — that forges a therapeutic and welcoming environment for patients. 

    Helmed by founding partners Manish Dikshit and Nachiket Borawake with design head Sonali Pandit Sriram, the brief to Aum Architects was concise — a minimalistic design emanating an amiable and restorative mood for visiting patients. “We love experimenting on each project, embracing the unique requirements and personalities of every client,” expounds Manish. 

    An extended view of the waiting area with a colossal artwork hanging by the pillar. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; wallpaper from The Arty Garage; art from Arte’Venue; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve

     

    Additional seating space in front of the reception desk. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve

    Clean lines and tonal sublimity
    Since the 2,100 sq ft site was handed to Aum Architects as a cavernous, raw shell — containing walls only for powder rooms and a tiny pantry — there was no need for structural alterations. The team finally settled on a 1,300 sq ft layout comprising a capacious reception area with split waiting room and individual cooling pods, a minor operation theatre, procedure rooms, and two consultation cabins.

    Besides the minimalism starter pack including an uncluttered aesthetic, the classic garnishes inside Sculpta encompass sinuous finishes, earthy colour schemes, winsome wallpaper prints and fabrics, which cohesively complement its softly-lit, no-frills expanses. “The result is a sophisticated, serene space that balances historical elegance with modern simplicity, offering both visual interest and a tranquil atmosphere,” says Manish. 

    The striking blue wallpaper accents the slightly curving partition besides the seating area. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; furniture from IKEA; and wallpaper from The Arty Garage; Photography by Studio Evolve

     

    The reception desk in the entrance lobby basks in daylight filtering through the partition while a large disc-shaped light accents the ceiling. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; furniture from IKEA; wallpaper from The Arty Garage; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve

    Minimalism done bright

    It goes without saying that decor accents are the icing on the cake for minimalist ecosystems. Predominantly cloaked with white walls, Sculpta is strategically infused with Oakwood Formica to emphasise certain details and silhouettes in the space. 

    Plaid seats with artworks and wall sconces embellish separate cooling pods. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; furniture from Lavie; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve 

     

    The individual cooling pods are split by floating screens in the waiting room for patients preferring privacy. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; furniture from Lavie; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve 

    Among the various accents, the L-shaped waiting area of the clinic takes on the role of a centrepiece. A perforated partition showing off an azure blue wallpaper on its flexuous form bisects the reception and seating space elegantly. 

    The aforementioned partition was elevated to harmoniously demarcate the lobby’s voluminous anatomy. This helped in sustaining the optical continuity and natural light of the space. On the other hand, a strictly bare-bones narrative is adopted for the consultation cabins to ensure patient-doctor interactions are not marred by superfluous visual distractions. 

    Photography by Studio Evolve

     

    A sun-lit passageway leading to one of the clinic’s procedure rooms. On display: tile from Varmora and Luxe Tiles; finishes from Jotun; laminate from Jalaram; and general lighting from IvyTech; Photography by Studio Evolve

    “To cater to patients post-procedure, a separate seating area within the wide passage offers a cosy nook with plaid fabric accents.” Wallowing in a blond wood finish, this sectional sitting zone with floating screens is perfect for those who long for some quiet while they wait at the clinic. With Sculpta, Aum Architects demonstrate that medical facilities can be confidently thoughtful as well as visually reviving by using design as a means to comfort and connect.

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