American Chiropractic Center

Bone shaped handle of entrance door.

-- American Chiropractic Center

Client: Dr. Markus Striebeck
Architect, Interior Designer: Studio Enno Wiersma
Building: Dan Plummer

2233 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA

The American Chiropractic Center is located one block South from Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.

-- This isometric was a first concept, proposal for a new layout of the treatment rooms.

The project started when the client chiropractor requested the architect to improve the conditions at the former office space. For this he had in mind earth plastering.
We suggested that the earth plastering would not be worthwhile unless the space would be totally remodeled. For this we made a proposal and showed in fact how the space could be much better used.

We quote from the proposal:"The underlying structural measurements of the plan can be called a lucky find. One can philosophy about numbers being the basic structure of the universe, but in a down to earth manner this design shows how good measurements help to create a good plan."

"The regularity in the measurements of all the interior elements does not only have aesthetic implementations, but is of direct practical use in prefabrication and/or construction on site.
The basic rooms are cubical although a quarter of its size is rounded off. The space taken off the rooms allows for a fluid movement in the hallway and although the actual space of the rooms becomes smaller, we will experience them as larger; of that I have found proof. If we round off the other corners in the spaces as well, we take away the visual code that defines ‘enclosed space’ and as a result we experience visually ‘endless space’ and rely on the other senses to measure the seizes of the enclosure. This has been very effective in a number of projects with adobe plastering.
We have summed up some faculties that enhance the quality of the aesthetic perception of the proposed design:
The harmonious proportions and the rounding of corners to create a stronger interplay of the different senses. It is my believe, that aesthetic perception helps to improve our health and can contribute to holistic medicine."

Outside round of first treatment room;

Front desk and reception at entrance.

A vacant neighboring premise with the same proportions was the ideal opportunity for the realization of the ideas for a new interior of the chiropractic center on Irving Street.
A new design was made and became realized according to plan.

A general remark about the interior of the chiropractic center is that it lets nobody untouched. Everybody somehow expresses something about it.

*Going into the hallway.*	*Plinth made of Victorian trim.*	One of the striking features of the interior is the use of recycled wood to enhance the feel of authenticity for ceiling rafters, floors and plinths. This detail of the round plinth is made from a Victorian trim. The treatment of the wood maintains parts of the various coats of paints. This was one of the specialties of the builder Dan Plummer, who built himself a reputation on a nationwide coverage in "This Old House" television series. Every part of the interior seems to breathe its own life and texture.
		Looking up in the hallway going to the back; Looking from the back towards the front entrance.
		Door handle shows fine details and combinations of materials. Looking from the back entrance towards the front.

The wood framed plasterboard walls allow for niches, set in furniture such as cabinets and X-ray boxes. Added to the niches and apart are shelves that come out of the wall in half and quarter round elements. All the elements are proportional to each other and to the space as a whole in round feet measures.
**Concave inside of treatment room with recycled wood elements such as doors and ceiling rafters. The walls are plastered with earth pigments.**
The measurements of all the spatial elements are proportional.

The walls are plastered with a lime mixture with earth pigments. Iron oxide yellow is applied in the hallway and Iron oxide orange, Navaho Wheel and raw Sienna in the three treatment rooms. The subtle halogen light system allows for various lighting effects enhancing the experience of dream like space complemented with the sound of music.
Such an interior space experience through the various senses may create inner space and balance in the person and contribute to the healing by the chiropractor.
Holistic doctor Markus Striebeck with colleague chiropractor.

For newspaper clippings concerning this project click here.