Renovation of Plastmed Private Clinic:
A place where architecture heals
Award-winning architecture
Our clinic was honored with the German Design Award 2026
The transformation of a medical practice into a clinic in Düsseldorf’s Media Harbor resulted in an extraordinary project: a highly functional clinic building with two daylight operating rooms in the landmark ensemble of the famous Gehry buildings.
The Plastmed Clinic combines architecture, medicine, and design to create a holistic experience. Clinical precision is combined with comfort. The interior design sets new standards and showcases a new typology for clinic rooms.
For this, we were honored with the German Design Award 2026 together with Kinzel Architecture, which was responsible for the interior design. This is a reason to celebrate and take a closer look at the renovation project.
The challenge
The project combined strict heritage protection requirements with the highest medical standards. Organically curved floor plans had to be translated into optimally usable clinic rooms – striking a balance between function, comfort, and architectural expression.
Architectural concept
Since their completion, the Gehry buildings have shaped the face of Düsseldorf’s Media Harbor and have become an architectural landmark of the city. With their sculptural, organically curved facades, they reflect the dynamism of the harbor and at the same time create a strong visual connection to the Rhine. The shiny stainless steel on the clinic building captures the changing light of the river and makes the building appear different depending on the time of day and season. This makes it a living link between the city, water, and architecture.
During the renovation of the Plastmed Private Clinic, the Kinzel Architecture firm developed a bold concept that respects the shell of the Gehry buildings while creating tailor-made spaces for everyday clinic life. The organic forms of the architecture became guidelines for the new spatial structure.
Leitmotif of the interior design
Mirrored elements bring the spectacular location on the Rhine into the building. They create visual connections between the location and its use. A sculptural support marks the center and subtly guides the flow of visitors.
With attention to detail and consideration for the fluid façade and the special room layout, Kinzel Architecture designed a unique concept that blends in with the special architecture. At the same time, great importance was attached to the quality and variety of materials that meet the requirements of fire protection and the conditions of a clinic.
“The Plastmed Private Clinic is a model project of modern healthcare architecture: everyday clinical practice at the highest level, embedded in an architectural landmark. Here, design becomes a bridge between function and experience.”
Reception and treatment
In addition to the spacious reception area with its elegant welcome desk, all areas of the clinic combine openness and privacy. The corridors, patient rooms, and treatment rooms are characterized by natural daylight—organic shapes, light, and space become part of the healing experience.
Patient rooms
The patient rooms are designed to resemble a hotel rather than a typical hospital. Warm materials, high-quality surfaces, functional bathroom units, and custom-made furniture combine comfort with clinical precision. Each room is unique, cozy, and overlooks the harbor.
Operating area
The operating area at Plastmed Private Clinic conveys a feeling of safety and serenity thanks to its bright, clear architecture and calm colors. The tidy design and harmonious interplay of light, space, and modern technology alleviate fears while emphasizing the highest standards of hygiene and sterility.
Material and lighting concept
The lighting concept guides visitors through the rooms, aids orientation, and creates atmospheric accents. Decorative mosaic walls break up the clean lines, creating a warm, timeless, and highly functional environment.
About the German Design Award
Seal of quality for excellent design
The German Design Award is an internationally recognized design prize that honors outstanding products, projects, and design concepts. Organized by the German Design Council, it has been recognizing innovative solutions and groundbreaking design in categories such as product design, communication design, and architecture since 2012. The award is considered a seal of quality for excellent design and highlights work that is both aesthetically appealing and functional and future-oriented.