b'gold standardW hatever the reason for making a visit to a medical clinic or hospital may be, its not an experience that people generally look forward to. At best, it can be emotionally charged. At worst, it can be painful.Weve also come to assume a certain aesthetic to greet us when we enter the doors of a healthcare facility: utilitarian sterility lit by harsh fluorescents, and not often a space that evokes warmth or comfort. But when Intra, a world-leading provider of healthcare guidedbymedicalimaging,approachedKleinArchitectswithaviewtodevelopa premium facility for both their patients and staff, the designers took it upon themselves to create something far beyond expectations.Located in Aucklands North Harbour Southern Cross campus, whats now known ashues Intra North Harbour is nothing short of impressive. Klein Architects brought Pac Studio on board to assist with colour selection and interior design, and the result of their team Healing effort is a beautiful, progressive facility that induces comfort and calm. thatIntra Thankstorecentadvancesinimagingtechnology,manyprocedures performs today are far less invasive than ever before. It means that patient recovery time is significantly reduced, sometimes to the point where patients can now walk out of the operating theatre following their procedure.Having an investigation or treatment in hospital is stressful, and we wanted the design features to help patients tolerate this time better, says Liz Tjahjana of Pac Studio. The reduction in recovery time encouraged us to rethink the experience. Instead of isolated A graciously-coloured clinic thats anything but clinical. cubicles, patients are treated to views of Rangitoto Island and entertainment from their lounge pods while staff relish working in their observation hub with full sightlines of the recovering patients, and the same gorgeous vista. A feeling of calm is reinforced by the use of warm timbers and perforated plasterboard ceiling, which provides a gentle acoustic environment.While the facility boasts a number of noteworthy design elements, perhaps the most immediately striking is the reception and staff base, which is framed by an energetic sculptural form that serves as the projects key focal point. Its flowing organic shape is complemented by the subtle angles and softly curved walls throughout. But its the awe-inspiring procedure suite that really takes the cake.opposite: The key focal point of Klein Architects and Pac Studios design is an angled timber ribbonwhich sweeps around the reception and staff area, shooting along a ceiling bulkhead and twisting downto become the wall, then a countertop and a staff work surface.above right:Rather than being tip to toe in a cold and clinical white, warm umber Resene Wan White was chosen for the base of the colour scheme and complemented by soft Resene Half Spindle and deeper Resene Bondi Blue along with a few pops of toasty orange and ochre, brought in through upholstery. The result is filled with interest and a sense of comfort. Resene below right:The stunning organic form that surrounds the reception and waitingBondi Bluearea draws in the eye. Its complemented with a contemporary and subtle baseResene colour scheme, consisting of Resene Wan White, Resene Half Spindle and ReseneWan WhiteBondi Blue. Together with the timber detailing, the colour scheme invokes anResene impression of warmth and great calm. Half Spindle14 blackwhitemag.com blackwhitemag.com 15'