The interiors of the MIGRE Migraine Treatment Center in Wroclaw, designed by hanczarstudio, are a soothing, patient-friendly space, devoid of stimuli that exacerbate malaise during attacks of migraine pain. It was the needs of patients, not fashionable trends, that had a decisive influence on the final design of this space.
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe, throbbing, unilateral headache accompanied by nausea, photophobia, phonophobia. The causes of its occurrence are still not fully known. It is likely that they are a combination of genetic predisposition, various environmental factors and increased sensitivity of the brain to stimuli. It is estimated that up to 90% of migraine sufferers are women. "The specifics of migraine and the needs of the target group of sufferers are so niche, compared to at least the shopping experience, that this time we used as our main source of information in the research phase before starting the actual project not surveys or studies, but information obtained from an investor - an expert in the treatment of this condition. It was he who drew our attention to what to beware of in the interior design, which elements promote the well-being of patients, and which can negatively affect it and exacerbate the symptoms of the disease," says Szymon Hanczar. - says Szymon Hanczar.
Less light!
People with active, severe migraine pain suffer from photophobia. In home conditions, they even experience attacks in twilight, which can sometimes be a nuisance to household members. Hence, in MIGRE, the designers decided to avoid visible light sources and use as many as possible of those giving indirect, diffused, soft light. In addition, the light had to be of lower intensity - somewhat in contradiction to the standards, but prioritizing patient comfort. Standards are met with the inclusion of all upper light sources, but in the day-to-day operations of the center they are not used. The project even included halogens, which are absolutely inadvisable in the environment of migraine sufferers - as illumination for the display rack - but it too has its alternative source of soft lighting in the form of reflected light. Finally, the last element of the lighting system is vertical blinds, regulating the access of sunlight to the interior.
Soothing space
Lighting designed in this way avoided shadows, drawn by light, strong, sharp edges. The interior also lacks vivid colors and contrasting colors - this is also a way out for migraine sufferers. Warm broken whites, sandy beiges and light, bleached browns, light woods dominate. A very limited color palette and the harmony of the vertical rhythms of the wall coverings bring visual calm. "We wanted to create a space that was soothing, visualizing pleasure in counterpoint to the condition itself, evoking associations with a beauty salon, spa, massage parlor, rather than a medical facility, "describes Szymon Hanczar. With these references in mind, as well as the center's predominantly female clientele, a subtle logotype was also created with a floral motif inspired by the ginkgo leaf, designed by Wojtek J. Piotrowski. "The genesis of the logo was the synthesis of the connection between the brain and the spinal cord." - notes the author.
A third area of concern for patient comfort was interior acoustics. The building is located in a quiet neighborhood, with no heavily used roads nearby. As a result, it was possible to avoid the use of radical soundproofing and focus on the interior. The entire ceiling is finished with acoustic panels, guaranteeing no reverberation and sound attenuation. Wall coverings also support the soundproofing effect, as do vertical blinds and potted plants. All these elements add up to provide the expected acoustic comfort," enumerates Szymon Hanczar.
Practical and hygienic
While associations with a medical facility could be avoided in the visual layer, the materials and solutions used had to meet the requirements applicable to such a facility. First of all, washable surfaces were relied on. PVC carpet is used on the floor, giving the effect of a uniform surface without joints. The benches in the waiting room are also implicitly washable (hard) elements with removable upholstered elements. As the project was being created in the first weeks of the pandemic, counter tops to minimize the spread of viruses by the droplet route are also in development.
Virtually all of the center's furnishings, except for the couch, desks and office chairs (here, with concern for staff comfort, HAG ergonomic chairs were used), were designed by hanczarstudio and custom-made. Particularly striking are the wall coverings in the waiting room, which, so to speak, flow seamlessly into the reception area and the bookcase at its back, defining their shape and detail. Custom-designed furniture also made it possible to optimally develop the clinic's space - at just over 110m2 there are 5 offices, a hall with a waiting room, two toilets and social facilities.
"We always try to create timeless interiors, avoiding the so-called "fashionable" elements that would embed a given project in time, and with its passage, make it increasingly outdated and obsolete. At MIGRE, the need to focus on the specific needs of patients allowed us to escape the circle of influence of current aesthetic trends. We subordinated the colors, materials, shapes and lighting to make visitors to the center feel comfortable there, and it was a very satisfying design experience." - Szymon Hanczar concludes.
designers: Szymon Hanczar, Przemysław Słowik (hanczar.studio)
space area: 110sqm
photo: Zasoby.Studio, 2022
year of realization: 2020-2022
