Extension of the University Hospital Centre of Reims

Concentrating outpatient and interventional activities, this first building of the New Hospital redefines the entrance to the Hospital to the South/West, forming the counterpart to the historic Maison Blanche entrance to the North/East. A modern, open “hospital of the future” with a capacity of 472 beds and places, it houses the technical facilities (operating theatre, interventional imaging and cardiology, imaging, intensive care and continuous monitoring), as well as consultations and functional explorations in these disciplines.

Preceded by a forecourt that sets the scene for its south-western entrance, the New Hospital is a rectangle occupying its entire plot. Its simple massing emphasises its layered composition and the 3 functions of the programme: the base, the rectangular foundation of the technical platform; above this, emphasised by a large break on level 2 that sets the critical care rooms back from the view, the square of the accommodation and the slim volume of the offices. The planted gap created between these 2 volumes opens up the heart of the building to the wider landscape and southern light.

The single white facades dress these volumes in a precise and light style, echoing those of the neighbouring Territorial Biology Centre, also designed by Groupe-6 architects. The recessed base, brown and mineral, anchors the building in the Champagne soil. On the upper floors, a lacquered aluminium skin, alternating glazing and perforated and solid sheet metal, is punctuated by spines in relief, creating vibrations according to the time of day.

Planted patios bring light and soothing interior views into the heart of the work and care areas. They punctuate the services and encourage orientation. Views over the gardens and patios provide all users with a pleasant, accessible breathing space. In addition to this internal landscape, the Nouvel Hôpital maintains a relationship with the wider countryside: taking advantage of the sloping terrain, it opens out onto the city of Reims and the Champagne hills in the distance.

The layout of the interior spaces emphasises comfort and reassurance for patients. Particular attention has been paid to light, views, acoustics and ergonomics. Natural light is omnipresent, providing reassurance and helping with orientation. Soft colours, uncluttered signage and the use of warm, natural materials help to forge a soothing interior identity in keeping with the sobriety of the Nouvel Hôpital. Accessible from the southern forecourt, the reception hall extends over 2 levels and links up with the existing Emergency department.

The quality of the welcome at the hospital also depends on the comfort of the rooms and day accommodation. The generous windows in the rooms, combining a fixed frame with adjustable brise-soleil and a ventilation opening protected by perforated sheeting, provide patients with light and soothing distant views. The façade, with its joinery incorporating the cupboard, provides a “living” space for sitting and creates a warm atmosphere. Depending on the level, the sash is offset, creating variations in the facades. In the corridors, the colours and rounded geometry of the bedroom bathrooms add softness and a more welcoming atmosphere, while making it easier to move beds around.

Team

Directors

Geneviève Carini, Thierry Bernardoux, Antoine Corcelle

Team

Catherine Behr, Florian Burnichon, Orlando Corso, Nicole Combalot, Marion Debard, Nolwenn Dreano, Geraldine Eynard, Sabine Fontana, Damien Gaudin, Clément Georges, Christian Hennuy, Léa Hippolyte, Marie de Kerdrel, Ketty Maitre, Camille Olivier, Vincent Orthlieb, Vincent Platel, Blandine Rançon, Etienne Sigros, Bruno Thirion, Céline Tosti, Myriam Dana

Quantity surveying

Didier Deschamps, Denis Chaix, Samuel Sœur, Céline Chenu, Emmanuel Delaunay

Site supervision

Pierre Franchino, Romain Obry, Serge Cuchet, Olivier Garnier, Sandra Morch, Mathilde Bedu, Coralie Bariou

Architecte d'intérieur

Rosalia Damiani, Marie-Anne Steinhaus, Sandrine Pieck