Spotify founder’s body scan startup designs a new kind of health clinic

Neko, the full-body scanning startup co-founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek, is redefining healthcare by focusing on data-rich analyses and preventive care. To stand out from traditional reactive health care services, Neko has paid equal attention to the design of its clinics. This philosophy is evident in the company's latest clinic located in New York City's Soho neighborhood.

The clinic, opened in the Soho neighborhood, features gently lit rooms, sparing walls, and soft pastel colors, creating a minimalist and futuristic ambiance. The design blends elements of a high-end spa and a fashion boutique, setting Neko apart from conventional healthcare environments.

Neko's clinics have been operational since 2003, with over 100,000 radiation-free scans performed. The company recently secured $700 million in Series C funding and is venturing into the U.S. market, with plans to open clinics in Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

The clinic's design was overseen by Franquibel Lima, an architect and former WeWork global head of design. Lima emphasizes that Neko's clinics differ from traditional healthcare settings due to their focus on proactive healthcare rather than treating sick patients. Lima explains, "To move from reactive healthcare into proactive healthcare, it requires a real mindset shift."

Neko aims to shift the perception of healthcare from a cluttered, one-size-fits-all experience to a more personalized and individualized one. Drawing inspiration from Apple stores and science fiction films, the New York clinic combines carefully controlled lighting with soft, natural materials.

Upon entering the clinic at street level, visitors are greeted by a simple door with an amber glow. Inside, they walk down a brushed stainless steel staircase into a white-walled waiting area, adorned with a small greeting podium and a plush U-shaped seating area. The space features fluted wall coverings with backlighting and underlighting beneath the seats, creating a floating, cloud-like atmosphere.

As visitors transition from the waiting area to the clinical area, the lighting brightens, guiding them into one of the six scanning areas. The scanning rooms are illuminated with pastel yellow lights and paint, emanating a calming tone. Lima asserts that they view lighting as a fundamental building component, creating a multisensory experience that prepares individuals to learn more about their health.

Although Neko's premium service complements primary care and traditional healthcare, the company aims to become more integral to people's overall health and wellness. Lima emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that encourage repeat visits, stating, "Because we are a consumer brand, because we believe that consumers are the ones that drive change typically, instead of trying to do it through policy, then it's really important that we create environments where people walk into and think this doesn’t feel like anything else that I felt before."