The Panelarium: A Futuristic Urology Clinic

Designed by Tetsuya Matsumoto, the clinic embodies the binary system in its architecture

The Panelarium is an interior space design that breaks away from the conventional. Its design is inspired by the digital world, with the binary system components 0 and 1 interpolated in the white space and embodied by panels that jut out from the walls and ceiling. All surfaces of the space are finished in white, generating a pure and clean atmosphere that acts as a three-dimensional canvas. The panels punctuate the monotony, each one white except for one side which is either black or a back-lit translucent glass.

The design of the clinic is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The panels serve multiple purposes - they become benches, blinders, shelves, counters, or just keeping the balance. The entrance gives on the reception counter and the main waiting room furnished in white chairs. Before its turn, the patient will be transferred towards the inner waiting room, to either a bench or a counter, facing the room for the treatment he is supposed to receive. The blinder panels in this space are meant to secure minimum privacy by covering the patient's face.

The Panelarium is built on the second level of an existing commercial and medical building. The walls were built using a simple LGS metallic structure, covered in plasterboards, and finished in wallpaper. The panels are made by wood, fabricated by a furniture maker, and finished in melamine sheets. The backlit panels use LED lighting and are covered in translucent acrylic. The left wall of the reception space is finished in dark mirrors.

The design of The Panelarium faced a significant challenge - to create an efficiently functional medical space that can reflect the doctor's medical and technological advance. This space was meant to be bright, futuristic, and provide patients with a sense of comfort and confidence. The design successfully meets these challenges, creating a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced.

The Panelarium is the new clinic space for Dr. Matsubara, one of the few surgeons certified to operate the da Vinci robotic surgeries systems. The design was inspired by the digital world, with the binary system components interpolated in the white space and embodied by panels that jut out from the walls and ceiling. The floor also follows the same design aspect. The Panels, although their random appearance, are functional - they become signs, benches, counters, bookshelves, and even door handles, and most importantly, eye-blinders securing a minimum privacy for the patients.

The Panelarium has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.