Archetech Issue 66 2023 | Page 104

ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
Photos : HDX Production

CLINIQUE OPHTALMOLOGIQUE THIERS

THE OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE IN THIERS NEEDED A NEW VENUE WITH LARGER PREMISES TO ACCOMMODATE THE INCREASING NUMBER OF PATIENTS AND EQUIPMENT
The new building has an exterior façade clad with Laminam , an architectural envelope intended to reflect the quality of service offered within the facility .
A state-of-the-art practice
Like a futuristic vessel in the new Bastide district in Bordeaux , the HQ of Clinique Ophtalmologique Thiers attracts all eyes . Specializing in laser eye surgery since 1996 , this state-of-the-art practice is the first in the Gironde department for cataract and retina surgery . A new direction that led to the extension of the building ’ s surface area ( from 4,800 to 5,400 square metres ), developed over five floors . The architecture of the practice was designed to adapt to the needs of patients and healthcare professionals , improving the patient experience , implementing new technologies and processes to offer an increasingly efficient and high quality service .
The first floor is reserved for admissions , administrative staff and consultations . The second floor is used for doctor ’ s offices and can accommodate up to 30 patients at the same time , while medical services are provided on the upper floors .
A large-scale architectural project
This level of care and service , designed with state-of-the-art medical technology , required the choice of an appropriate architectural envelope . That is why Laurence Taridec , head of the Thiers practice , turned to the TLR architectural firm , led by Mickaël Martin , to create the project . “ The technical challenges we faced started with the shape of the building ”, explains the architect . The exterior takes the form of an ocean liner , defined by clear architectural lines reminiscent of cruise ship design , with great attention to light and space and the refinement of materials ; a spirit that is also repeated inside , providing an immersive and evocative experience for visitors .
ARCHETECH - PAGE 104