The Hôpital Saint Antoine Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris can be considered a city within a city. The location and design of the new headquarter of the hospital respect the existing environment, preserves views, and light levels of neighbouring buildings and ensures optimal functionality and flexibility. It is compact and allows a planted area that is equivalent to 50% of the plot.
The garden design by ChartierDalix recreates a hilly landscape and covers – with soil depth ranging from 50 to 250 cm – the amphitheatre located at the base of the building. As visitors move through the site, this planted area gradually reveals itself, creating a square surrounded by trees and offering relaxing views.
Designed to increase the area of land that can absorb water, the garden features a variety of plant species that are native to the Île-de-France region. These are grouped according to four distinct biotopes that complement each other and contribute to the development of local biodiversity: mixed woodland, wet meadow, shrubby forest edge, and species-rich grassland.
In addition to the garden, there are many greens walls and the building’s roof is entirely covered in vegetation. The plant layer consists of hardy species that require minimal watering, and the soil depth here ranges from 20 to 60 cm.
The judges agreed that the garden belongs in this category because of the details that solve microclimate problems, especially the green walls and roofs. It also creates an interesting, surprising landscape into the density of Paris.
https://www.chartier-dalix.com/en/projects/new-headquarters-aphp-hopital-paris-12
