Uvée: eco-responsible optometry clinic

Montréal, Canada, 2019-09-25

A new optometry clinic has newly opened on Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montreal. In addition to offering a range of eco-friendly products, the space is designed to promote the profession of optometrists and rethink their place of work as per information available from v2com.

CATHERINE CATHERINE designed the store around an examination room with glass partitions, located in the center of the space and visible from the street. Clients can take their eye exam under the intrigued eyes of passers-by. The partitions let in natural light, an asset for this clinic and its doctors. Outside the examination room, the space is multifunctional and allows patients, as well as employees to settle at the place of their choice: bench, small reception desk, large service counter.

The majority of the clinic’s furniture has been custom designed. The dimensions of the space being limited, CATHERINE CATHERINE have minimized the surfaces of the rooms and designed adapted furniture. For example, the exam room is equipped with an ” L ” desk encompassing the practitioner. Everything is easy to access, at the right height and makes the exam fluid.

To maximize the space, the designers have designed a flexible and open plan. The pre-test room has been reduced to a minimum, as it only contains devices used rapidly before exams. The designers put it in an alcove that can be opened and closed with opaque curtains. This room is in connection with a high table to which guests are invited to sit. This table is reminiscent of a kitchen island that allows various gatherings, discussions and the adjustment of eyeglass frames.

The frames were arranged on both sides of the shop. CATHERINE CATHERINE has designed wooden displays that are built-in on one side and hung like frames on the other. The oak allows to bring heat to the space, but also to emphasize the mounts.

The display structures were designed so that users could see themselves in mirrors easily, but also to make the frames visible and structured. The frames are gently deposited in a non-overloaded environment, making the visit and search more enjoyable. The provision of frames also allows employees to make a good inventory analysis.

When choosing frames, a tray allows customers to make several choices and place them on one of the small tables. These tables are places against on a bench where one can wait, but on which customers can sit down to take the time to choose the right frames. The bench recalls a cafe and makes the place less medical.

The materiality refers to the world of clinics, but is distinguished by its natural woods, ceramics and bright colors that reflect the brand image. The shop is warm, accessible and anchored in the neighborhood.

Project Specification

Location: 1668 Laurier Av. E., Montreal, Quebec

Area: 850 pi. ca. /80 m2.

Materials: Oak, walnut, steel, ceramics, fabrics.

Team project

Client: Uvée – optométriste de quartier

Design: CATHERINE CATHERINE

Floor coverings: Ramacieri Soligo

Lighting: EDP

Carpentry: Il Fabrique

Contractor: Vez éco-construction

Photographer: Raphaël Thibodeau – Images fixes et en mouvement

CATHERINE CATHERINE
CATHERINE CATHERINE was founded in 2015 by two environmental designers who are alike, but not overly so, in order to complement each other. One excels in creative project management, the other in integrated furniture design. Together, they reflect on human environments from the smallest object to complete residential and commercial spaces. Their hobby? Solving architectural problems in a personalized way starting from the functionality of spaces and objects.

The firm offers a variety of services for residential, commercial, renovation or new construction projects. CATHERINE CATHERINE stands out through its expertise in solving space problems and its use of integrated furniture as a renovation tool. They have an architectural approach to interior design. Their projects are thoughtful and adapted. Their design method is analytical and functional. The designers use color and materials to enhance gestures or architectural lines.