Enjoy 2 free articles a month. For unlimited access, get a membership now.

The Panelarium, Himeji

KTX archiLAB

SAVE SUBMISSION

1 / 9

Designer
KTX archiLAB
Client
Matsubara Clinic
Floor area
145.00 ㎡
Completion
2018

Only few doctors around the world are certified to operate the robotic surgeries using the da Vinci systems, Dr. Matsubara is one of the few. The international Award-Winning Urology surgeon is establishing his own new urology clinic in Himeji City. However, the Japanese Law forbid the doctors to use advertisements, so it was then decided to use the space design as a message to reflect his advance. Using the power of Image rather than words. The space should reflect the state-of-art high-tech medical advance.
The Panelarium design was inspired from the digital world. The binary system components 0 and 1 were interpolated in the white space and embodied by panels that jut out from the walls and ceiling. The floor follows also the same design aspect. The Panels although their random appearance are functionals, they become signs, chairs, counter tables, partitions, bookshelves and even door handles. Yet, the most important function is the eye-blinders in the inner waiting room. Urology patients prefer to maintain their privacy when it comes to which kind of examination they are receiving, but the limited space does not allow to make isolated compartments, the panels are an alternative response securing a minimum privacy for the patients, providing them with a feeling of safety during their waiting time.