Located in the heart of Manhattan's bustling Flatiron District, Forma Med Spa is designed to be a sanctuary of transformation and renewal. This medical spa specializes in cosmetic procedures, requiring a space that allows for a curated transition from urban chaos to serenity and self-improvement.
The spa is a patient-centered space, designed keeping in mind the nuances of aesthetic medicine. From the moment visitors approach the building, they are welcomed by a façade that blends the new with the existing. The spa's entrance, an extended double-door vestibule, is collaged into the pre-existing structure to create a harmonious distinction with the adjacent residential entrance vestibule. A planter is placed between these entrances to balance the architectural composition of the façade, subtly echoing the balanced results of the facial procedures offered inside the building. As one steps through the threshold to leave the cacophony of the city behind, the transition begins. The reception and waiting area is anchored by a red travertine desk, offering a warm welcome. From here, visitors embark on a journey through a series of spaces, each increasing in privacy and tranquility.
The design of Forma Med Spa revolves around the concepts of transformation and euphemism. The floor plan guides patients through a curving hallway that enhances the fluidity of movement and leads to discreet procedure and exam rooms towards the left side of the hallway. There is a progression from light to dark spaces, mirroring the journey from public to private, and from exposed to protected. Minimal artificial lighting throughout the spa creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel sheltered from the outside world. As one moves deeper into the space, the ceiling height gradually decreases to enhance a sense of comfort and coziness. The culmination of this narrative happens in the recovery area, a cave-like decompression space dominated by a rock wall that measures approximately 13'6" wide by 11'2" high. This space, illuminated from above by a skylight, serves as a sanctuary for post-procedure reflection and relaxation. In this interplay of light and shadow, patients can take a moment to pause and prepare for their re-emergence into the world.
Throughout Forma Med Spa, material shave been chosen to create a luxurious yet natural ambiance. To contain the overall design, wooden boards are fitted into the ceiling's grid structure to provide a subtle contrast to the fluid layout below. This interplay between structured elements and organic forms reflects the delicate balance sought inaesthetic procedures, enhancing natural beauty while maintaining harmony and proportion.
The spa's layout guides visitors through a (transformative) journey that mirrors the physical changes they seek. From the initial welcome to the private treatment rooms, and finally to the serene recovery space, each area has been conceived to support and enhance the patient experience. As the visit concludes, the space gradually reintroduces light and openness, preparing visitors for their return to the urban scape of New York.
