Konohana Clinic

A plan for establishing an advanced reproductive medicine center in Nagano Prefecture. Based on a medical philosophy that emphasizes the natural regulation of the body's internal cycles, the light ceiling of the wooden truss structure, which spans from sunrise to sunset, changes its appearance moment by moment, reflecting the natural order. In addition, we leveraged locally sourced timber, taking into account the regional characteristic that 80% of the area is covered by forests. To support the local supply chain, we adopted a construction method that can be executed by local craftsmen. This approach uses standard lumber and avoids the need for specialized processing.

We collaborated with sound composer Mr. Taisuke Kimura to create an acoustic environment based on natural sounds recorded near the facility. The soundscape was designed with a tempo aligned to resting heart rates, incorporating the 1/f fluctuation principle, and eliminating unpleasant frequencies. The diamond-shaped floor plan not only optimizes the use of the site but also effectively addresses issues related to flat echoes. We are optimistic that, from the perspective of auditory sensitivity in medical spaces, this design could contribute to advancements in the field of advanced reproductive medicine.