At the beginning of 2023, the French government gave the green light to the CHU d’Angers’ Convergences real estate program. This project aims to modernize patient care, consolidate and reorganize Emergency Services, Operating Rooms, Imaging, and Critical Care over the next 15 years.
The teams at AIA Life Designers developed a project that addresses key challenges such as clear access and patient pathways, integration into the heritage site, and a functional and green layout. The goal is to preserve the site while meeting the demands of our time. Once modernized, Angers University Hospital will ensure efficient care and user well-being through its design—within an environmentally responsible framework.
The project is centered around the trauma center, the heart of the emergency department, incorporating resuscitation rooms, SAUV (Advanced Emergency Care Unit), emergency operating rooms, and emergency imaging. It connects to other levels (EMS, helicopter landing area, ICUs) via a strategically located “red axis” at the core of the Convergences complex. This “red axis” allows for extremely rapid patient management, minimizing transfer delays and critical risks. The emergency entrance is located at a corner to separate the flow of non-critical patients from those in life-threatening situations.
The building will be adaptable in the event of a health crisis. Dedicated pathways for patients with high infectious risk are planned, allowing them to access the relevant departments without disrupting the rest of the hospital’s operations.
The public entrance opens onto a garden of lime trees. The façade features a mineral skin pierced with three arches, echoing the site’s historical heritage. Greenery is omnipresent, creating cool zones. In the emergency area, it connects to a botanical forecourt and the southern entrance, which leads to the arcaded garden. Landscapes extend to the thresholds, rooftops, and inner courtyards. Throughout the space, urban furniture encourages social interaction, contemplation, and moments of rest and serenity.
Project Management
Client: Angers University Hospital (CHU Angers)
Project Team
Lead Architect : AIA Architectes
Interior Architecture : AIA Architectes
Historical Monuments Architect : Architrav
Engineering + Cost Management : AIA Ingénierie
Environmental Expertise : AIA Environnement
Project Coordination : AIA Management
Landscape Design : AIA Territoires
Acoustics : Tisseyre & Associés
Fire Safety Systems : Namixis
Digital Hospital : La Wase Factory
Hospital Logistics : Cerclh
Heliport : PB Consulting
Program
Convergences 1: Consolidation and reorganization of Emergency Services, Operating Rooms, Imaging, and Critical Care at Angers University Hospital.
Area
37,000 m²
Cost
€102 million (excl. VAT)
Completion Date
2029
Renderings © Airstudio (Charles Wallon)