Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
Zhanyan Clinic
- A' Design Award 2026 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Yuanpei interior Decoration Co., Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 7,812
- Verification code CC158BE8CE · Verify this award
About Zhanyan Clinic
Zhanyan is a clinic interior design completed in Taiwan in February 2025. The 496 square meter space occupies an aging building with a ceiling height of only 226 centimeters and floor level differences of up to 20 centimeters. Curved wood ceiling panels, mirror inserts, and hourglass-shaped columns reduce visual pressure and widen the perceived space. The layout provides 12 treatment rooms, 6 consultation zones, a reception area with a sculpted stone counter, and a VIP lounge. Mineral paint, titanium-plated panels, and wood veneer form a warm skin-toned and gray palette.
PAO-CHIEH CHOU and TZE-HSIN SUN's Zhanyan Clinic engages contemporary healthcare design discourse by proposing spatial environments that transcend purely functional medical programming to cultivate therapeutic atmospheres through architectural form, material selection, and carefully orchestrated luminosity, the design seemingly draws upon biophilic design principles recognizing human physiological and psychological responses to natural forms, organic geometries, and nature-informed spatial sequences, positioning this work within broader movements toward patient-centered healthcare environments that acknowledge the healing potential inherent in thoughtfully designed space itself, the compositional achievement manifests most notably in the sculptural ceiling plane that establishes rhythmic visual flow while concealing technical infrastructure, its undulating form creating subtle spatial definition between reception and waiting functions without resorting to conventional partitioning, the arched apertures function as focal elements that frame exterior greenery while their classical geometry updated through minimalist detailing creates visual and symbolic connection between interior sanctuary and natural world beyond, chromatic sophistication emerges through the restrained palette wherein warm neutrals recall natural materials such as limestone, clay, linen, and unfinished wood, establishing psychological warmth and accessibility while maintaining the visual serenity essential to environments serving individuals experiencing medical vulnerability, the organic geometry pervading both architectural elements and furnishing selections appears calculated to reduce anxiety-producing angular geometries in favor of embracing, protective curvilinear forms that suggest shelter and care, material choices privilege tactile warmth and visual softness, surfaces that invite touch and presence rather than clinical detachment, wood millwork introducing natural grain variation and inherent material character that humanizes the space, upholstered seating forms rendered sculptural through generous proportions and enveloping geometries that accommodate varied body types and postural preferences, lighting strategy maximizes natural daylight penetration while employing translucent screening to prevent glare and maintain visual privacy, creating luminous quality suggesting early daylight or late afternoon warmth, spatial sequencing guides visitors from compressed entry zones under lowered ceiling volumes toward visual release at the windowed apertures, this processional experience potentially alleviating institutional anxiety through gradual revelation and controlled vistas, the design invites consideration of how healthcare environments might balance operational efficiency with experiential generosity, how architectural form itself might participate in healing processes, and how spatial design attuned to human sensory and emotional needs can transform necessary medical visits into encounters with beauty, dignity, and care.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The design centers on five-sense integration, aligning body and spirit in harmony. A sculpted stone reception counter blends rough and refined textures, symbolizing transformation. The low 226 cm ceiling of the original sloped-roof structure is reimagined with curved wood panels and floral-inspired forms, evoking a sense of blooming. Custom sconces, mirror inserts, and hourglass-shaped columns guide visitors with warmth and privacy. Skin-toned hues and floral art echo a narrative of gentle blossoming.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The 496 square meter site was a structurally complex, aging building with up to 20 cm of floor height difference. The designers reconfigured the flow completely, creating 12 treatment rooms, 6 consultation zones, a reception area, and a VIP lounge. The second floor includes mirrored panels near the staircase to expand the visual field, while a floral installation overhead introduces a vertical rhythm. Upon reaching the second floor, light softens, revealing a cocoon-like waiting space that allows visitors to relax and immerse themselves in a restorative atmosphere.
- Tags
- Flowering, freeform curves, cave-like space, wabi-sabi, warm skin-tone, old building, eco-friendly materials
- Production Technology
- The entire clinic is wrapped in a warm skin-toned and gray palette, accented with mineral paint, special paint, titanium-plated panels, mirrors, and wood veneer. These materials create a dialogue between geological layers and skin textures. Select lacquered finishes add luster and rhythm, while the overall palette, more subtle than typical cream tones, evokes sun-kissed skin, cultivating a space of refined calm and tactile elegance.
- Design Challenge
- The greatest challenge was overcoming the original low ceiling height, which was only 226 cm and could easily create a sense of oppression. The uneven flooring and scattered beams threatened to fragment flow and sightlines. Most of the structural elements could not be removed. To address this, the designers introduced curved ceiling planes to redirect focus and ease visual pressure, added mirrors to extend perception, and reimagined obstructive columns into sculptural hourglass forms. In doing so, the space evolved from fragmented constraint into a cohesive aesthetic statement.
- Project Duration
- The project finished in February 2025 in Taiwan.
- Operation Flow
- Visitors describe the space as gentle, comfortable, and private, with treatment rooms that feel perfectly scaled. The waiting experience shifts from anxiety to a calm transition. Clients say natural materials and wabi-sabi elements help them see a more authentic self in the mirror. For the clinic owner, the project marked a brand milestone, launching alongside the designer. The design redefined not only the space but also the emotional bond between people and beauty.
- Research
- Guided by the concept of Zhanyan, 'to blossom with grace', the design reflects the brand's focus on rejuvenation and rebirth. Avoiding artificial perfection, it embraces natural textures and organic forms. The floral ceiling, carved stone counter, and skin-toned grays echo transformation. Materials like titanium, mirror, wood veneer, and mineral textures create a tactile, reflective space. Light enters softly, like dawn in a cavern, allowing each surface to respond at its own pace.
- Inspiration
- Located in a bustling urban setting, Zhanyan Clinic reinterprets the brand name, 'Zhan' (to blossom) and 'Yan' (a beautiful flower), into a tranquil healing garden. Drawing on the symbolic connection between skin renewal and floral blooming, the designers took the concept of a cave-like sanctuary to translate natural textures and organic curves. Within the constraints of an aged building, a wabi-sabi philosophy was employed to soften imperfections and create a light-filled, immersive space that feels like stepping into a hidden garden of gentle radiance.
- Image Credits
- Yuanpei interior Decoration Co., Ltd.