emmanuelle moureaux: clinical research centre at kyoto university hospital

‘ito – clinical research center of medical equipment development at kyoto university hospital’ by emmanuelle all photos by daisuke shimokawa / nacasa & partners

the second and third floor spaces of the clinical research center of medical equipment development (CRCMeD) at kyoto university hospital have been taken over by a thread motif (‘ito’ in japanese). the interior design has been developed by architect emmanuelle moureaux as a graphic metaphor for the connections between the various fields of expertise, convergence of knowledge and skills of the individuals working there – an expression of the invisible threads that connect these thoughts with one another.

the linear elements bridge the two floors together, weaving through the walls and ceilings of the various rooms, creating a strict rhythm throughout. a spectrum of colours which appear between the various junctions where the elements intersect offer chromatic combinations which resemble landscapes: field green, sky blue, light cherry pink, snow white, dusky orange and white horizons. the overall result is a comfortable atmosphere, making one forget the fact that they are within a medical facility.

chromatic color combinations are meant to abstractly represent a landscape

clinic room

the linear elements, or ‘threads’ stand as a metaphor for the connections between the various research initiatives, knowledge and skills shared within the space

the motif makes one forget they are in a medical facility

café / eating area

meeting room