Just outside Paris lies the Bois de Vincennes; a sprawling public park covered in trees and home to an arboretum and botanical garden. The new office of Santé publique France, the French national healthcare agency, was built on the edge of the park and designed by Atelier du Pont from the building to the interior design and smaller details.
The project is inspired by the activities it houses - the French public healthcare agency offices - it has created a pleasant space that takes its users’ wellbeing fully into account. The design symbolizes the mission of this institution, which oversees the health of everyone who lives in France. The aim is to be exemplary in terms of its impact on the environment and the health. It uses natural and recyclable construction procedures and materials, free of all solvents and plastics. The workspaces are luminous and well cushioned in terms of sound; and have ample views of the landscape. The stairways have been generously sized and naturally lit to encourage people walk to go from one floor to the next, instead of taking the elevators. The common spaces were created to stimulate interaction and host informal gatherings and meetings. The restaurant and small cafés on the various floors are warm and intimate with the use of natural colors. Large, furnished terraces are available to anyone who wants to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful view over the wooded park.