Inspiring Dental Office Design in Biloxi
How often do you leave a dental appointment feeling inspired? After a visit to the Frigo Orthodontics Office in Biloxi, Mississippi, you’ll bring home more than just healthy teeth. Dr. Chris Frigo has always used his time with patients to not only straighten their teeth but also to mentor and motivate them. He gives his patients prizes, encouraging them to read books, and create art. He wanted his new clinic to inspire his patients.
When Chris and Kerri Frigo contacted WAV Architects, they were in the process of building a new clinic with a french inspired exterior and no interior aesthetic direction. They knew they wanted an office that appealed to their younger clients while educating them on different ideas that they are not typically exposed to in southern Mississippi. WAV was hired to address the exterior, provide interior finishes, and select the art. The art became the central theme of the project.
“The interior design was inspired by the Frigo’s love of art, especially graffiti and its urban aesthetic. We applied playful versions of graffiti by the artist Banksy to the walls throughout the building. This graffiti was enhanced by artwork by other fine artists such as Warhol and Basquiat. There is even wall paper that is a reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein.”
Polished concrete floors, brick walls, steel windows, textured tiles, riveted beam and wood accents were used to create an NYC Bowery warehouse aesthetic. Every room has a unique piece of art that is a conversation starter. It allows Dr. Frigo to engage the patients in a new way and broaden their view on arts and the world beyond Mississippi.
“Chris and Kerri motivated us to have fun with this project. They encouraged us to create unexpected features in every space allowing the architecture and interior design to be inspiring as the services Dr Frigo provides.”
WAV evolved the exterior aesthetic to work with an Acadian architecture form at the same time a more contemporary aesthetic that bridged the timeless look with a youthful appeal. The stucco was changed to a mitered lap siding. Trellis arbor elements were added to soften the facade and create outdoor seating areas. WAV introduced a deep purple color on the brick that anchors the entry corner of the building as a bold, youthful statement and used it as a means to transition the more traditional exterior form into the artistic interior.