Frequently asked questions

Architectural and technical choices were made to include all types of patients admitted to the institute and to ensure the well-being of users. The aim is to create an architecture that promotes overall health. To this end, the project aims to create a biophilic environment with a strong plant-based identity.

Multisensory interaction with a natural environment is now widely recognized as a source of unconscious and immediate well-being. In particular, they facilitate recovery when psychological resources (emotions, attention...), physiological resources (stress, fatigue...) or social resources (isolation, withdrawal...) are exhausted.

The project aims to reintroduce nature into the care and research spaces. The architects based their approach on the 14 principles of biophilia, defined by Terrapin Bright Green in 2014. These principles can be found in many of the institute's spaces:

Nature in space :

• Visual and non-visual links with nature, sensory stimulation, water, light, etc.
• Open-air gardens at the heart of the hospital with bioclimatic atriums
• Natural ventilation of spaces made possible by openings
• Therapeutic gardens for patients
• Accessible green terraces
• Contact with the sky through zenithal windows

Natural analogies :

• Links with nature, biomorphic forms, balance between complexity and order...
• Bioclimatic building that changes with the seasons and the weather
• Natural materials inside and out (wood in particular)
• Building creates a protective cocoon from the ring road

Nature of the space :

• Creation of varied environments, access to views, etc.
• Views of nature from interior spaces
• Alternation between large and small spaces, presence of refuge areas
• Pathway designed as a series of transitions alternating between care and natural areas

Environmental ambition is at the heart of the project. The Institute is thus committed to proposing a building that is ecologically responsible in its design, construction and operation, so as to enable harmonious interaction between the Institute and its surrounding area: a high-performance building with HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CERTIFICATION and the application of the BÂTIMENT DURABLE (SUSTAINABLE BUILDING) reference adapted to the specific needs of healthcare establishments.

• As a leading research center and institute with a local, national and international vocation, the project embodies a new form of architecture that meets the need to combat global warming;
• As a place of care for children, it is committed to the well-being and health of future generations, in the short, medium and long term.
• As the gateway to Paris, visible from the ring road, it is intended to represent a new way of building the city and to materialize the strong commitments of the Parisian metropolis.

This approach is based on the main national and international environmental standards.

A number of measures have been put in place to comply with this demanding trajectory:

• the development of a global approach to energy savings, integrating direct and indirect consumption and emissions, and building optimization;
• the choice of a location easily accessible by public transport and the promotion of soft mobility, with parking spaces for bicycles;
• maximizing the use of vegetation with patios and landscaping as an ecological niche for biodiversity (preservation and recolonization of species naturally contributing to the site's biodiversity balance);
• eco- and socio-responsible purchasing processes;
• actions to reduce and recover waste.

The Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant was determined to take environmental issues into account right from the design stage, and to define a strong ambition in this area.

Starting in 2022, a number of diagnostics have been launched to identify the constraints and assess the biodiversity of the sites where the institute will be based, in order to determine the best location for it.

Once the site had been chosen, the AP-HP undertook further studies to establish a precise ecological assessment of the site's biodiversity, in order to evaluate the floral and faunal challenges.

Finally, in his decision no. DRIEAT-SCDD-2024-086 of May 28, 2024, the Prefect of the Ile-de-France region decided that an environmental assessment was not required for the project to build the Children's Brain Institute within the AP-HP Robert-Debré hospital, located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. The measures and compensations proposed by AP-HP were deemed satisfactory, validating a case-by-case study in application of article R.122-3-1 of the Environmental Code.

Further reading (French) :
May 2024 -Environmental authorization DRIEAT
February 2023 - Diagnosis of fauna, flora and habitats and recommendation of measures
February 2023 - Floristic expertise as part of land clearing dossier
December 2022 - Environmental pollution diagnosis

The institute building incorporates two atriums on either side of the central garden level. These open-ground atriums are covered and closed by a glass roof that can be opened. They have multiple functions:

• Bring natural light into the heart of the volume;
• Distribute spaces ;
• Act as a thermal buffer, guaranteeing a pleasant temperature in both winter and summer;
• Limit the project's heat-dissipating surfaces and reduce consumption.

Initial discussions and studies commissioned by the AP-HP and carried out in conjunction with local stakeholders, notably the city of Paris, led to the study, from 2022 onwards, of 3 then 4 possible locations for the future building close to the Robert-Debré hospital. These comparative studies have enabled us to better assess the constraints, which taken together, have informed the choice of the current location.

Further reading (French) :
November 2022 -Comparative analysis of Scenario D layouts
July 2022 - Comparative analysis of layout scenarios

Noise and air pollution from the Boulevard Périphérique (ring road) were taken into account and determined the general layout of the building.

The building's architectural design incorporates a protective shell that creates an interiority to the building, free from noise and air pollution. The stretched morphology of the shell acts as a screen against the ring road to the north.

The protective shell is a smooth, uneven facade made of 20 cm-thick mineral concrete. Concrete is an excellent insulator against airborne noise. It is also robust, durable and fire-resistant. The joinery is made of acoustic laminated clear double glazing, essential for maximum insulation and to create a calm, secure environment.

Air pollution from the ring road is managed by the building's protective shell, with rollbacks at both ends protecting the heart of the block, by its technical double-flow ventilation systems providing thermal comfort without opening windows, and by its bioclimatic atriums dispersing pollutants.

In addition to the Institute's accessibility via the Robert-Debré hospital access road, the building's surroundings and exterior are essential to the well-being of patients, users and professionals alike. Particular attention will be paid to the quality of the landscaping, to make it a place where people can meet and enjoy each other's company. From the outset of the project, user representatives and families are involved in the design studies.

The building is no more than 30 metres high. The building is the same height as the Bingen building at the Robert-Debré hospital, to which it is linked by a footbridge.

A major collaborative effort was undertaken with the Paris City Council's green spaces department to limit tree felling while ensuring compensation in line with the rules of the forthcoming bioclimatic local urban plan.

The project calls for the felling of 96 trees, all of which are showing signs of decline, including the presence of sooty mould disease, and 21 of which have already died. The situation is evolving rapidly, with the number of dead trees increasing by 10 over the last 24 months.

The ambitious replanting project will extend over the existing 3600 m² embankment, and will provide double compensation for equivalent foliage volume. The newly planted trees and shrubs will comprise a majority of regional species, while retaining trees in areas not affected by the works. The aim of this approach is to preserve existing biodiversity and recreate a plant community that is resilient in the face of global warming.

Further reading (French) :
September 2022 -Tree maintenance expectancy report
July 2022 - Phytosanitary report
February 2022 - Phytosanitary report

Parking solutions are currently being discussed to offer professionals parking spaces on the hospital grounds or in the immediate vicinity.

The institute will be built on an occupied site. A low-nuisance worksite approach will be implemented to ensure a trouble-free site. The low-nuisance worksite charter is an essential pillar in the implementation of environmental measures on the worksite, while preserving the immediate environment and other buildings.

Preserving biodiversity
Particular attention will be paid to the land-clearing phase, with specific recommendations for the preparatory work phase. During the Institute's worksite, trees that have been preserved will be protected, precautions will be taken to limit the impact on wildlife, and the fight against invasive exotic species will be the subject of recommendations in the Low Nuisance Worksite Charter.

Reducing visual nuisance
To ensure that the worksite is as acceptable as possible to users, those in charge of the works will take care to keep the site clean and attractive. Appropriate measures will be taken to limit soiling in the vicinity of the worksite, and systematic cleaning will be carried out to prevent any damage to the site's surroundings.

Reducing consumption
The living quarters will be fitted with equipment to limit water and energy consumption on the site, including presence detectors and timed taps.

Reducing noise and vibration pollution
Acoustic and vibration measurements will be carried out during the construction phase to monitor the average level and acoustic emergence during the noisiest phases, identified in advance, so as not to exceed acceptable noise levels for the site. Temporary protection may be installed if necessary, with preference being given to low-noise equipment.

Reducing health risks
As the project will be carried out in close proximity to vulnerable people, specific measures will be put in place, notably to prevent the risks of aspergillosis and legionellosis, due in particular to dust dispersion. Dust dispersion will be kept to a minimum, for example by spraying with water during dust-generating phases, and using special equipment with integrated dust extraction modules. Dust mats can also be provided at the site entrance and exit. Water stagnation will be avoided to prevent the proliferation of tiger mosquitoes.

Reducing pollution
Hazardous products will be stored in a dedicated container. Workers will be trained in the reflexes to adopt in the event of an environmental incident, including the use of a decontamination kit.

Reduction, sorting and recovery of construction waste
Companies will optimize waste management: prefabrication, layout, etc., and will organize rigorous sorting of construction waste by type, respecting the 7 regulatory flows, with specific skips or bins according to the type of waste. The recycling target is at least 85% of the total mass of waste generated on site. Construction will involve reshaping the land and excavating the subsoil. In this context, the reuse of soil on site will be favored as much as possible.