The Cutting Edge: A New Era in Pharmacy Design

Tetsuya Matsumoto's Award-Winning Design Revolutionizes Medical Retail Spaces

Traditionally, medical spaces have been designed with elements of nature to create a soothing environment. However, Tetsuya Matsumoto's design for a dispensing pharmacy in Himeji City, Japan, takes a different approach. The design, aptly named 'The Cutting Edge', is inspired by the trust that patients place in modern medicine. Matsumoto believes that true peace of mind is reached when medical care is at its cutting edge, and this belief is reflected in the design's sharp, clean lines and pure white spaces.

The Cutting Edge stands out for its unique properties. The design uses pure white minimalistic space with sharp surfaces and edges to create a high-tech impression. This aligns with the image of advanced medical care technology, reinforcing the patient's trust in the pharmacy's services. The design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional, with a comfortable waiting space and a private area where the pharmacist can explain each medicine to the patient.

The construction of The Cutting Edge involved the use of a metallic frame for the building structure, with metallic panels covering the exterior walls and plaster-boards for the interior walls. The protracted part was covered in thin mat white metallic panels with a low-density foam core, and the sharp edges were made using aluminum sheets. The interior wall behind the reception counter was covered by special wood panels, adding a sharper atmosphere to the inside.

The design process involved conceptual and aesthetic research. The challenge was to design a small, budget-friendly pharmacy building that could produce an impressive effect and be functional at the same time. The result is a dispensing pharmacy that not only provides the best medicines but also stands out from other pharmacies, thanks to its unique design.

The Cutting Edge has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Platinum A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, contribute to societal wellbeing, and make the world a better place.

In conclusion, Tetsuya Matsumoto's The Cutting Edge is a testament to the power of design in transforming medical spaces. It challenges traditional design norms and presents a new vision for the future of medical retail spaces, one that is minimalistic, high-tech, and centered on the patient's experience.