Maria Kardami Design Studio undertook the architectural design for renovating the interior and facade of the Longevity & Wellbeing Clinic. It is located on Plutarchou Street in Kolonaki, where the urban heart of the country’s capital beats. Overall, the design re imagines the maximization of space and the architecture of inclusion, based on the concept of a calm, optimistic atmosphere, that goes beyond the typical forms of health related spaces.
The clinic features a reception area, two doctors’ offices, a room for aesthetic procedures, an acupuncture room, a bathroom for people with disabilities, a gym — with pilates, aerobics, and strengthening rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, a vitamin bar, and staff facilities (a locker room and a bathroom). The co-existence of so many different uses – combined with the clinic’s limited surface area – required a creative design, both in terms of layout and the use of architectural and decorative elements.
The curve, a free line that guides and orients without imposing or forcing, is ever-present: in the curved walls that ease movement within every space, in the light, flexible forms of the furniture, and even as a design tool – since it is used on the ceiling to create concealed lighting.
A range of functional details provide the necessary flexibility for the clinic setting. The use of sliding doors allows for the setting of practical and easy-to-use spaces. Special structures in the gym area offer storage solutions for small equipment. Finally, the reception desk functions as mobile furniture on wheels so that the space can accommodate more people on special occasions – e.g., during a seminar.
The primary materials chosen are micromosaic, cement mortar, and oak. The choice of this palette of earthy tones had a dual purpose: On the one hand, it respects the building’s character and appearance through a lush yet discreet design. On the other hand, it creates a serene, tension-free atmosphere—a sensation also complimented by the lighting on the walls, woodwork, and ceiling.
Overall, the well-being architecture — as interpreted by Maria Kardami Design Studio and reflected in this clinic — is characterized by functionality and inclusion. In a dense urban landscape, where even the last square foot is essential, maximizing the potential of any space is a unique comparative advantage for residents and visitors alike. Moreover, the clinic creates a condition where patients and non-patients coexist in the same area, receiving and enjoying values such as wellness, care, optimism, and health.
