Institut de Chirurgie Mini-Invasive Guidée Par l’image by S&AA – Schweitzer & Associés Architectes | World Design Awards 2020

S&AA – Schweitzer & Associés Architectes: Honorable Mention of World Design Awards 2020. The new University Hospital Institute in Strasbourg is an ambitious project that looks towards the future while being rooted in what already exists, interacting with the hospital of which it forms a part. The project demonstrates how important it was to integrate the Institute with the existing hospital. On a site where all kinds of architectural styles have been used over time, the elegant, understated design of the new Institute, its size, its layout, and its roof, borrow from historic architecture to create a contemporary form. The dynamic shape of the building makes a bold statement: it expresses a sense of movement, echoing the activities taking place within. The vegetation on the façade and roof reference the organic world and the luxuriance of nature and life, while the iridescent metal façade echoes the high level of technological knowledge and skill deployed within the Institute. The all-embracing form of the building expresses the uniqueness of the Institute. Although arranged in different functional levels, the building is wrapped in a single envelope. On the outside the planted façade and roof unify the building, while an interior atrium connects the floors, and the vertical links between the different sectors meld the facility into a single, powerful entity. The aim of the project is to bring a wide variety of different functions together under one roof. The new building will house reception areas and offices, a teaching floor, a clinic operated by the Nouvel Hôpital Civil and liaising directly with it, an R&D floor, and an experimental floor liaising with the Digestive Cancer Research Institute (IRCAD). The modularity of the building allows its spaces to adapt to user needs and technological developments and to accommodate the latest equipment.

Firm: S&AA – Schweitzer & Associés Architectes
Architects: Patrick Schweitzer
Category: Hospitality Built
Project Location: Strasbourg
Team: Architecte mandataire: S&AA / Entreprise Générale: KS CONSTRUCTION / BET: SNC LAVALIN Conseil / HQE: SOLARES BAUEN

Country: France
Photography ©Credit: Pierre POMMEREAU

 S&AA architects Since its foundation in 2001, the S&AA practice focuses on lowering the environmental impact of the buildings it designs and gives priority to the community harmony.

The architect needs to be aware of the society he is living in. As a result, Patrick Schweitzer and his associates emphasize the sustainable design of their projects. Benefiting from a dynamic young team the office is proficient in designing eco areas, public buildings, offices, high standards  commercial facilities, low-energy and even “Passivhaus” housing.

By working in conjunction with urban planners, engineers and local actors, the S&AA architects carry out long term projects. The future user is at the center of the design. The architecture relies on interrelation and generosity: generosity of lines, circulations and exchanges, generosity in the multiple articulations of space.