Center: A New Era in Educational Architecture

Project Overview

Architects: Atelier Téqui Architects
Location: Ivry-sur-Seine, France
Area: 1,545 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Jean Baptiste Thiriet
Manufacturers: Artigo, Knauf, Ober, Piveteau Bois, Villeroy & Boch
Lead Architects: Atelier Téqui Architects
Category: Research Center, Educational Architecture
Technical Design Offices: OTE Ingénierie
Environmental Design Office: OTELIO
Scheduling Management Coordination: CH Consulting
Signage: Orlic Cochet

A Hospital Reimagined as a Hub for Autonomy Research

The Louis Pasteur Building, originally constructed in 1964 as part of the Charles-Foix Hospital in Ivry-sur-Seine, France, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the visionary design of Atelier Téqui Architects. The project repurposes the hospital’s two upper levels into a state-of-the-art Autonomy Research Center for Sorbonne University, blending adaptive reuse, sustainable materials, and human-centered design.

This initiative marks France’s first research and experimentation center dedicated to autonomy in healthcare, fostering collaboration between patients, clinicians, and researchers in a setting that prioritizes accessibility, innovation, and well-being.

Architectural Transformation: Preserving History, Embracing Innovation

1. Structural Adaptations & Sustainable Upgrades

The renovation retained the building’s original post-beam frame and load-bearing brick masonry walls, ensuring structural integrity while allowing for flexible interior reconfiguration. Key modifications include:

Complete removal of interior partitions to create open, adaptable spaces.
Enlarged window openings for enhanced natural light and exterior views.
Exterior insulation with glass wool and French Douglas wood cladding, treated for durability and a naturally weathered aesthetic.

The Douglas wood facade not only improves thermal performance but also ages gracefully, reducing long-term maintenance needs.

2. Interior Layout: Functional & Human-Centric Design

The Autonomy Research Center is organized across two levels, each serving distinct functions:

Ground Floor: Real-World Simulation Spaces

Reception & Logistics Offices – A welcoming entry point with a double-height wood-clad hall for clear orientation.
Full-Scale Testing Environments – Simulated real-life settings, including:
A home-like living space
A hospital bedroom
A connected staircase for mobility analysis
A movement analysis platform
A doctor’s office

These spaces allow researchers to study autonomy loss scenarios in controlled yet realistic conditions.

Upper Floor: Collaborative Research Hub

FabLab (Prototyping Workshop) – A makerspace for developing assistive technologies.
Flexible Workrooms & Conference Areas – Adaptable open-plan layouts for multidisciplinary collaboration.
Shared Social Space – Encouraging interaction among researchers and clinicians.

3. Material Palette: Warmth & Accessibility

The interiors feature sycamore and beech wood, chosen for their soft, slightly pink tones, which create a calming and familiar atmosphere. Key design elements include:

Wood-lined double-height spaces enhancing wayfinding.
Functional wooden walls integrating storage and concealing technical systems.
Clear, intuitive signage by Orlic Cochet for seamless navigation.

Historical Context: From 19th-Century Hospice to Modern Research Center

The Charles-Foix Hospital site has a deep historical legacy, originally designed in 1873 by Théodore Labrouste as a hospice. The Pasteur Building (1964) was part of the hospital’s expansion, featuring a post-beam structure with brick infills—a common mid-century construction method.

By repurposing this structure, Atelier Téqui Architects honors its past while injecting contemporary functionality, ensuring the building remains relevant in medical research and education.

Sustainability & Environmental Considerations

The project emphasizes eco-conscious design through:
✔ Locally sourced Douglas wood cladding (sustainable and durable).
✔ High-performance insulation reducing energy consumption.
✔ Adaptive reuse minimizing demolition waste.
✔ Natural lighting optimization lowering artificial energy needs.

These strategies align with France’s green building initiatives, making the center a model for sustainable institutional architecture.

Conclusion: A Pioneering Model for Healthcare Architecture

The transformation of the Louis Pasteur Building into the Autonomy Research Center demonstrates how adaptive reuse, biophilic design, and innovative planning can revitalize outdated structures for cutting-edge purposes.

By integrating real-world testing environments, collaborative workspaces, and sustainable materials, Atelier Téqui Architects has created a forward-thinking facility that bridges medical research, patient care, and architectural excellence.

Key Takeaways

Adaptive reuse preserves historical structures while meeting modern needs.
Human-centered design enhances well-being for patients and researchers.
Sustainable materials ensure long-term durability and energy efficiency.
Flexible interiors support evolving research demands.

This project sets a benchmark for future healthcare and educational architecture, proving that thoughtful design can transform spaces—and lives.

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