Considering that the alley of plane trees and that most of the buildings are located on the west of the plot and on a higher level, we have decided that users of the building and workers would access this building  from this side. On the other hand, because, on the east, there is a road and an open area, on a lower level, it appeared logical to us that deliveries and departure would take place there. Consequently, a conception over two levels became a logical option.

Taking into consideration the particularities of the ground and the use of it, we first turned our attention to the kitchen, respecting the current regulations, and aiming at circulations to be as clear as possible , and also as least expensive as possible. We endeavoured to bring in natural lights and to open views to all working rooms.

As far as the restaurant is concerned, we have rather opted for the possibility to relax in a cosy place, where one could find, depending on the time of the day, more or less intimacy. The requested surface involved quite a big hall, and we thought that the medical staff, who is in contact, all day long, with suffering and death, had a right to have lunch in a hall that would be something else than purely « functional »: it had to have a feeling of being somewhere else. Furthermore, we thought that a view over the hospital buildings could limit the desire to relax and to take a break between the morning duties and the afternoons ones. That is why the restaurant hall is subdivided in four areas of different sizes: several patios, where green plants are displayed, separate the four areas, the view is looking east, towards the outside, on the surrounding landscape.

Towards the south, a dense hedge of cone tree will intercept the view over the technical rooms and the delivery area: the soft winter sun won’t be permanently shining upon delivery vans, compressors, fans, heat pumps and various plumbing.

 

Contractor: Hospital L. Hussel, Vienne

Programme: central kitchen, staff restaurant serving 300 meals per day.