This traditional Chinese medicine shop, which looks like a coffee shop, completely subverts our imagination.

Speaking of traditional Chinese medicine clinics, you might think of doctors in white coats, gray hair and presbyopia glasses, rows of cabinets with various herbs, and the smell of herbs that permeate the whole space. In our impression, the traditional Chinese medicine clinic has always been regarded as a place full of antique and Chinese style, which seems to have nothing to do with modern style.

However, the recently renovated Yi Yi traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taipei is an exception. If you ignore the locker where the medicine is stored, you will mistakenly think you have come to a coffee shop.

This traditional Chinese medicine shop, which looks like a coffee shop, completely subverts our imagination.

The renovation of the clinic was designed by moya design from Japan. The clinic's requirement is not only to retain the atmosphere of traditional Chinese pharmacies, but also to create a comfortable and friendly space for new customers who are interested in Chinese medicines.

This traditional Chinese medicine shop, which looks like a coffee shop, completely subverts our imagination.

Internal floor plan of the clinic

The clinic, located in Taipei, has a history of 30 years, and its building faces a busy road. On the first floor is a Chinese medicine pharmacy and a waiting area, where patients are waiting for their doctors to dispense their medicines. A consultation room is planned on the second floor.

The dispensing desk on the first floor is the core area of the entire clinic. It is not only the facade of the clinic, but also undertakes the most important function of the clinic.

This traditional Chinese medicine shop, which looks like a coffee shop, completely subverts our imagination.

This traditional Chinese medicine shop, which looks like a coffee shop, completely subverts our imagination.

Based on this, the designer turned the first floor into an open and transparent space. With the glass facing the street, you can see how the doctors in the clinic dispense the medicine and communicate with the patients, thus expressing the friendliness of the clinic.

In traditional Taiwanese pharmacies, there is usually a high, narrow counter between doctors and patients. Here, while inquiring about the patient's condition, the doctor selects the right one from the cabinet behind which hundreds of herbs are stored, and grinds and formulates the medicine for the patient face to face. Counters and shelves for storing medicinal materials are regarded as the core of a pharmacy. Even in the renovated design, Yiyitang still retains this traditional pharmacy model, and those old medicine cabinets that have been used for many years glow with new vitality after being polished.

This traditional Chinese medicine shop, which looks like a coffee shop, completely subverts our imagination.

This traditional Chinese medicine shop, which looks like a coffee shop, completely subverts our imagination.

Old counters and medicine cabinets

In addition, on the other side of the counter is an area made of white marble. This more modern style can make traditional pharmacies look less serious and give people a more relaxed and casual feeling.