The barrier-free revolution: Hospital Cognacq-Jay

Photo&Text Shun Kambe

Constructed as a local communal space

2006 saw the functional launch of Toyo Itoh's first overseas project, the Hospital Cognacq-Jay in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. This building, wedged between Rue Blomet and Rue Moulin, maintains a connection to the tree-lined avenues outside via a glass curtain wall facade. It was constructed to function as a local communal space. The facade design maximizes natural light while maintaining privacy, producing a harmonious and tranquil spatial effect. However, at the core of this facility lies an inner courtyard that serves as a communal space. The existence of this courtyard means that Cognacq-Jay, in terms of urban infrastructure, possesses the characteristics of a park, as the courtyard is used not only by patients and visitors, but also by local residents.

On the facade, a glass curtain wall maintains the connection between the sides of the building, and perpendicular aluminum mullions preserve the rhythm of the block. The glass is printed with a tree pattern, and the inner courtyard seems to be surrounded by soft lace.