Riki Watanabe's Innovative Approach to Hospital Design

Chibanewtown Ladies Clinic: A Haven for Women and Children

Riki Watanabe's inspiration for the Chibanewtown Ladies clinic came from a desire to ease the anxiety of its visitors, particularly pregnant women and children. He wanted to create a space where the staff could work comfortably and the visitors could feel at ease and happy. This empathetic approach to design is what sets Watanabe apart in the field of architecture.

The clinic's unique features include a nursing room and an island kitchen-like counter in the waiting room for preparing baby milk. The children's area, located at the center of the space, allows children to be watched from anywhere in the clinic. These thoughtful features demonstrate Watanabe's commitment to creating a space that caters to the specific needs of its users.

The design of the clinic was realized through the use of indirect lighting, creating a soft and welcoming atmosphere. The lighting covers are made from polycarbonate, while the sofa and children's area are finished in synthetic leather for easy maintenance. The clinic spans a total floor area of 198.40 square meters.

One of the key challenges in the design process was ensuring the comfort of pregnant women. Watanabe studied the body structure of pregnant women to design a sofa that would be easy for them to sit up from. The back angle and cushion hardness were also adjusted to ensure optimal comfort. This level of detail underscores Watanabe's dedication to creating a space that truly serves its users.

The Chibanewtown Ladies clinic is a testament to the power of thoughtful, human-centric design. Its success has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, a prestigious accolade awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. It's a well-deserved recognition for a design that puts people first.