Jean Ayme Psychotherapy center

This day centre for psychiatric patients on the ground floor of a block of apartments located in Levallois-Perret in the outskirts of Paris, was designed in association with Bernard Leroy and Fabio Jiménès Architects.

Strong commitment on the part of the local authority was a vital component of the project. This support encouraged AIM Hanemian Architects to conceive a design that would successfully create a convivial and welcoming environment for doctors and their patients. A requirement of the co-ownership of the building was that no load-bearing walls or ceilings be pierced in order to give access to pipes, cables or ventilation ducts. The design thus makes use of a number of false ceilings where all piping and cabling are sited unseen, and of wire-free electric controls avoiding groove-inserted wiring.

The poorly-lit basement space is improved by carefully designed artificial lighting, making use of appropriate light fittings, careful choice of colour and above all by the improved exploitation of some existing zenithal lighting. The dark rooms are lit off the main circuit bathed with light from above via fixed windows.

On the floor above, a spacious area provides for partitioned reception of patients by means of sliding wooden screens forming discreet cubicles. A glass lift permits access to the different levels and adds a warm contempo­rary touch to this project.