Optical Audiology Retail Center

In developing the design, the main challenge was the location. The proposed retail facility would be in close proximity to the existing concourse lobby, and this relationship had to be carefully considered from an aesthetic perspective.

Powerful architecture already existed in the lobby. Numerous design scenarios were explored to find the optimum way to integrate the retail clinic into the overall building scheme and setting, without losing the feel of a clinically-excellent medical facility. To improve the owner’s understanding of potential opportunities, detailed graphic representations were provided.

The retail center’s function as both a clinic and retail store also had to be thoughtfully addressed. As a retail store, it would sell both optical and audiology retail items, such as glasses, lenses, hearing aids, and specialized medical products related to vision and hearing. Audiology products would include devices that can boost sound, such as television and phone amplification systems, plus batteries and ear-protection devices.

As a clinic, it required areas where certified audiologists and opticians could conduct hearing and vision evaluations. It also had to provide space for visitors to test devices, and watch educational videos on improving communication.

Both environments had to blend seamlessly into the existing setting – punctuating the retail function without diminishing the formal clinical character.

The solution was to create an open, modern, welcoming space for the retail center that could be used by the community, while maintaining a high-end medical setting congruent with the clinic’s overall brand.