An old church in Vienna's 7th district. An extraordinary property – and a unique opportunity. Dr Kerstin Ortlechner, an internationally renowned dermatologist from Vienna, was looking for a new practice and was immediately impressed by the sacred aesthetics of the space. Together with Studio Riebenbauer Vienna Los Angeles, a design was created that preserves these special aesthetics but contrasts them with a futuristic and reduced spatial concept. From the outset, the aim was to create an ordination that sets new global standards and attracts international attention in the architectural and design environment. In the design language, the spatial programme, but also in the illumination.
The aesthetics should be minimalist, with light-grey walls, polished aluminium surfaces and mirrors. In the centre of the entrance area stands a wash fountain - reminiscent of the holy water stoups of old. Extensive renovation work was necessary to make the building, originally built in 1860, suitable for use as a practice. The lighting presented a particular challenge: while the decorative luminaires from the SR-Products brand by Studio Riebenbauer serve as a visible part of the design, the XAL lighting should remain subtly in the background and create the right mood.
With MOVE IT PRO, a design-oriented high-voltage track system, it was possible to preserve the character and leave the open space of the nave largely unchanged. Perfect lighting, on the other hand, had to be guaranteed in the treatment rooms. The MOVE IT PRO BO 32 and LOUVER insets provide maximum efficiency (up to 186 lm/W), precise light control and glare-free light distribution with very good colour rendering.
Almut Becvar, Partner + Creative Director Studio Riebenbauer Vienna Los Angeles
We spend a lot of time each year in our studio in Los Angeles. The subcultures and stark contrasts of this city fascinate us and have a major influence on our work.
