Episode
The site is located along a street connected to the nearest train station, which also serves as a route for children walking to school and a popular path for people out on walks. Adjacent to a shopping mall but facing a green area, the location is open and not overly built-up, making it an ideal spot to share messages and ideas with the community through the building itself.
The hospital director strongly envisioned creating an open facility that not only functions as a medical institution dedicated to maintaining and protecting the health of pets but also promotes a lifestyle of living harmoniously with animals. This vision includes supporting daily care practices, fostering connections among pet owners, and encouraging mutual understanding between those with pets and those without, contributing to a healthier coexistence within the community.

Planning
One distinctive feature of this animal hospital is its open and transparent layout for the back-of-house areas, including examination rooms, treatment areas, and offices. This design facilitates smooth communication among staff, enhancing teamwork while also extending this openness to the outside world.
The hospital’s workspaces are designed to support staff who perform demanding and high-responsibility tasks. Large windows provide views of greenery and allow natural light to enter, creating an environment where the changing light of the day offers a sense of comfort and connection to nature, fostering a positive atmosphere for both staff and visitors.
The design goals for the animal hospital focused on the following three priorities:
Maximizing the busy location’s potential – Leveraging the high foot traffic to create a hub for educating the community about animal healthcare and care practices, contributing to regional awareness and engagement.
Providing advanced medical care – Ensuring the hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and making these capabilities visible to the community.
Creating a healthy workspace – Designing a work environment that promotes staff well-being and enables them to perform at their best.