LuxLinea, an ophthalmology clinic situated in Shibuya, Tokyo, stands as the latest addition to the Total Eye Care clinics in the heart of the Japanese capital, located on the ground floor of a mixed-use building. The design of LuxLinea adeptly addresses two primary concerns: mitigating glass reflections and ensuring patients’ privacy.

Operational mostly during daylight hours, LuxLinea faces the challenge of bright reflections on the glass obstructing visibility to the clinic’s interior. In response, the design incorporates a captivating solution – a series of vertical lines of light emitted from the inside that not only counter the reflection effect but also engage the curiosity of passersby.

The floor plan adopts the shape of a right trapezoid, with the entrance and reception counter strategically placed on its smaller corner, taking full advantage of the two glazed sides that visually connect the space to the urban environment. Along the glass façade, waiting chairs are arranged, separated by transparent acrylic panels.

These panels, illuminated in a vertical lines pattern, not only provide privacy but also address concerns about airborne virus contamination. The examination and treatment rooms, which are more light-sensitive, are situated in the inner area of the clinic and accessed through gates set between the light panels. The repetition of the panels and light lines is duplicated vertically using a mirrored ceiling surface.

Mirrors finish all the walls around the waiting area, reflecting the urban environment during the daytime and seamlessly assimilating it inside the clinic. The interior transforms into a fantasy experiential space composed of floating light elements. At night, as the exterior darkens compared to the well-lit interior, the glass becomes a highly reflective surface. The space becomes enveloped in mirrors from every direction, where light elements overlap to create a kaleidoscopic effect. LuxLinea emerges as a clinic that not only addresses functional aspects but also creates a visually dynamic and immersive experience for both patients and observers.

Category:EnvironmentsYear:2023Designers:Tetsuya Matsumoto, KTX archiLAB, Himeji, JapanManufacturer:KTX archiLAB, Himeji, Japan