The OmniDirectional Internal Medicine Clinic

The OmniDirectional Internal Medicine Clinic is an innovative architectural healthcare facility located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, that exemplifies a harmonious integration of functional medical planning and sophisticated spatial design. The clinic's distinctive design centers around its endoscopy room, which serves as both the physical and operational nucleus of the facility, representing a pioneering approach to medical facility architecture. The structure, completed in July 2020, encompasses 203 square meters and features a meticulously planned square configuration with stepped sides, creating a unified aesthetic appearance. The architectural composition employs a traditional Japanese grid wooden structure, innovatively combining contemporary materials including fiber cement panels for the exterior facade and oriented strand board (OSB) panels for interior surfaces, creating a deliberate material contrast that emphasizes the central endoscopy suite. The spatial organization follows a clear axial arrangement, with the entrance leading directly to a central waiting area and reception counter, behind which a glass partition provides a strategic view of the endoscopy room. This transparency not only highlights the clinic's primary medical function but also creates a sense of openness and trust. The circulation pattern enables efficient movement between examination and treatment areas, connected through both the central endoscopy room and a peripheral backyard passage. The project, designed by Tetsuya Matsumoto and team, received the Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category for its innovative approach to healthcare facility design, demonstrating excellence in spatial efficiency, material application, and functional planning while working within strict budget constraints. The design successfully balances clinical requirements with aesthetic considerations, creating a welcoming medical environment that prioritizes both patient comfort and operational efficiency.

Author: Adam Dawson

Keywords: internal medicine clinic, healthcare architecture, endoscopy facility, Japanese design, medical space planning, sustainable healthcare design

SOURCES:
https://competition.adesignaward.com/115600

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