BUILDING 10 FACULTY OF DENTISTRY, CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY

This 1,050-sqm dental clinic is situated at the back of the Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, facing the lush green space of the registered archaeological site ‘Suan Dok’ old city wall to the north. Efforts were made to preserve the large, well-established teak trees on the site, which were integrated with the new building to highlight its natural environment. The building mass was carved out to create pocket spaces for those trees, and allow natural light into the interior, with the old city wall as the backdrop.

Long parallel fenestrations along the north of the building resonate harmoniously with the distinctive horizontal lines of the existing, modern era buildings. The elevation of the windows is calculated to allow natural light into the interiors, and for patients to benefit from the scenery of trees and sky as they receive treatment.

The lofty slanted ceiling over the top glazing extends into an overhang, creating a connection between interior and exterior. This enhances the natural daylight for a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, creating a sense of spaciousness, alleviating stress, and providing comfort to patients.

The expanded steel screens on the building façade serve as shading and rain protection, sheltering the entrance zone and creating an inviting ambience, which can also be used for an extension of the waiting area and as a gathering space. Easy wayfinding is achieved through the design of a simple spatial program in which pathways are defined to flow from the entrance lobby to the clinical and consulting area.