In spring of 2023, a clinic that we designed was completed in Aoyama Gaienmae, Tokyo. Although it is a pediatric clinic, it uniquely supports not only the visiting children but also their families, offering various forms of care for both physical and mental health.

"A Unique Approach to Pediatric Healthcare"

This clinic not only focuses on healing but also provides a safe and reassuring environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of both children and adults.

It is a place where medical practices are envisioned with a forward-looking approach, always aiming to think, act, and communicate with a ten-year future perspective.

Our mission was to realize the long-standing vision of Dr. Haruo Kuroki, the clinic director, and Dr. Hideko Kuroki, the clinic manager and certified psychologist.

Their vision has been brought to life in what is known as "The Clinic within the Library."

Dr. Hideko Kuroki has extensively worked with reading education programs like Spain's "Animacion" in both school and medical contexts. Her expertise and dedication led to the creation of a space that encapsulates themes of healthcare, education, and community support, where both children and their parents can interact with and be healed by books. This environment is designed to engage with books in a way that supports and heals.

Dr. Haruo Kuroki first coined the term "Spirit Forest" to describe this concept. He envisioned it as a study nestled within an ancient mansion, surrounded by a timeless forest. This setting provides a tranquil space where the presence of books soothes and re-energizes visitors, much like the restorative atmosphere of a mystical forest.

From this vision, the unique concept of "Spirit Forest x Books x Clinic" emerged, offering an innovative approach that merges literary and medical care in a setting unlike any other.

As the concept developed, Dr. Hideko Kuroki wanted to create a space that felt "all-white, mysterious yet warm." Achieving this was quite challenging.

Dr. Kuroki preferred the clinic not to include any plants to accommodate visitors with allergies, aligning with the clinic's "Spirit Forest" theme. Despite being situated in the busy Aoyama Gaienmae area, the clinic was designed to be a serene, safe haven reminiscent of the warm light filtering through a forest, but entirely in white.

She insisted on a minimalist white space, likening it to a "white spaceship," where the only colors would come from the books and people present. To realize this vision of a "mysterious yet warm" atmosphere, special attention was given to the lighting, textiles, and the arrangement of screens throughout the space.

The clinic's design subtly incorporates playful elements, like floating round lights on the ceiling and a mirror next to the toilet's handwashing area, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The design also includes screens of different sizes on the windows, arranged to mimic the way light filters through a forest.

We owe a great deal of thanks to our Japanese construction and design team, including Mr. Kuukan from Pleasure Garden & Living, Mr. Terada from Wonderful Co., Ltd., and all the site workers, for realizing our detailed design and functional requirements.

Additionally, gratitude goes to graphic designer Ms. Reiko Noguchi, who helped create a logo and signage that align with the clinic's simple and gentle aesthetic.

The clinic spans the entire 6th floor of a building at the Aoyama Gaienmae intersection and makes full use of its 90 square meters. We've installed safety features like automatic doors at the entrance and secure doors to emergency staircases to ensure that children stay safe within the clinic's space.

When you enter the clinic through the main door, you're greeted by the waiting room which feels like a tranquil space filled with soft light and the gentle sounds of a forest, helping you escape the noise of the city. This area also functions as a library, filled with books for both children and adults to enjoy. It also hosts seminars and workshops like "Animacion" when the clinic is not seeing patients.

The reception area, which doubles as a book lending service, is designed with safety in mind, featuring no sharp edges or protrusions to protect young children.

Further inside, the layout of the library (waiting room) cleverly conceals the entrances to the consultation and counseling rooms on the left and right, respectively, integrated into what feels like a "forest of books," resembling small dwellings within a "Spirit Forest."

The clinic is efficiently designed within a 90 square meter space to include all essential functions while maintaining hygiene, safety, and a calming environment for patients. It's carefully planned so that the paths of staff and patients don't cross, ensuring privacy and smooth operations.

Despite its compact size, the space is designed to feel connected and open. Books and LED lights that stretch across the ceiling help elongate the space visually.

To reduce waiting times, especially for parents with children, there are two bathrooms equipped with amenities like diaper changing stations. The clinic also features child-friendly sinks placed at lower heights in the hallways, designed to be easily accessible for children. These areas are decorated with playful, bubble-like round mirrors and fun restroom pictograms, creating a space that is enjoyable for both children and adults.

This project was developed with the expertise of specialists in various fields, led by the clinic directors who are experts in pediatric medicine and clinical psychology. The clinic's library was curated by school librarian Sumiyo Yokoyama, and an online catalog system (OPAC) was implemented to allow easy access to the books.

Safety-focused bookshelves, designed to prevent books from falling during earthquakes, were supplied by Kihara Corporation. The clinic also features an audio system called "R-LIVE" that plays natural forest sounds to create a calming atmosphere without actual plants, enhancing the healing environment.

During early planning workshops, the clinic directors outlined their vision for the space, emphasizing collaboration with the project team to integrate specific elements they valued. These included a meaningful lithograph of a mother and child by Minji Kitagawa, intended to be a focal point in the clinic. The "Lady of Lourdes," a cherished figure of Mary, reflects the directors' spiritual heritage, while the choice of ambient music from the R-LIVE system and an item with sentimental value, initially considered to be an old family desk, signify the importance of history and continuity.

Thanks to the dedicated effort of all involved, the project was successfully completed, creating a cherished space. The hope is that "The Clinic in the Library" will continue to be loved by many for years to come.

Project Name: Children and Adults Clinic 'Pau Room'

Website: Pauroom Clinic

Location: 6th Floor, Aoyama MY Building, 2-13-4 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Client: Medical Corporation Society Succession Association

Architecture and Design: Miyako Nairz Architects

Coordination: Pleasure Garden & Living Co., Ltd.

Construction and Site Management: Wonderful Co., Ltd.

Logo and Signage Design: Reiko Noguchi

Photography: Katsunari Kawai, 125 Inc. + MiyakoNairzArchitects

*Note: The photographs were taken before furniture (desks, chairs, examination beds, etc.) was installed.