Biography

Krzysztof Młodzianowski left Poland for France in 1969, two years after graduating from the Kraków University of Technology. There, he continued his studies at the Paris Institute of Urban Planning, graduating in 1975. Through his collaboration with the architectural firm RTV Architectes Ingénieurs Associés in Paris, he co-designed numerous public buildings – hospitals, universities, care homes and housing estates. In the 1980s, he worked as an architect in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, where he supervised the construction of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences campus in Mount Hope. Upon his return to France in 1986, he established his own architectural practice, which operated in Courbevoie until 2012, before relocating to Hyères. Since the late 1960s, Młodzianowski has been a member of the French Ordre des Architectes and the Association of Polish Architects in France (SARPFR). He provides consultancy on the design of medical facilities under the PPP scheme for Gleed France Limited.

Młodzianowski’s design methods

Młodzianowski summarises his practice as follows: “My aim has always been to achieve balance and harmony between all elements, so that form does not overshadow function, and the complex technology and economics of a project do not overshadow its environmental and human aspects.” The medical facilities he worked on – including those in collaboration with the team at RTV Architectes Ingénieurs Associés – are characterised by either a postmodernist or a brutalist style. They are typically characterised by a sculptural form and an emphasis on the horizontal articulation of the façade.

The most significant project in his portfolio remains his involvement in the design of the Municipal Hospital in Alès – one of the first projects in France to consistently implement the principles of sustainable development in healthcare architecture. The building’s concept was developed through close collaboration between the team of architects from RTV and Pierre Tourre & Associés, alongside sustainable building consultants and specialists in energy analysis and thermal modelling. During the design process, particular attention was paid to user comfort (thermal, humidity, acoustic, visual and olfactory), as well as the sanitary quality of the space, air and water. The design envisaged functional flexibility (an adaptable layout) and the creation of spaces that foster a sense of privacy, well-being and education for users. In practice, this meant a carefully considered selection of spatial and technical solutions – the building was designed to ensure a harmonious integration with the urban and landscape context, whilst maintaining a clear functional layout that facilitates easy orientation for users. During the design process, consideration was given to optimising the provision of natural light within the interiors, particularly in circulation areas. The structural and material solutions employed were selected to promote energy efficiency and maintain stable thermal conditions throughout the year.

Medical facilities in France

1993 Library with media centre at the Montpellier Medical Schools (in collaboration with the architectural firms RTV Architectes Ingénieurs and Pierre Tourre & Associés of Montpellier)

1996 Faculty of Dentistry complex and Dental Clinic, forming part of the university buildings in Montpellier (in collaboration with the architectural firms RTV Architectes Ingénieurs, Pierre Tourre & Associés of Montpellier and Jean-Michel Wilmotte & Associés of Paris)

1996–2001 Cardiology Institute and Adicare Foundation (part of the Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière) (in collaboration with the architectural firms RTV Architectes Ingénieurs and Jean-Michel Wilmotte & Associés in Paris)

2003–2011 Alès Municipal Hospital (Alès-Cévennes Hospital Centre) (as part of a collaboration between the architectural firms RTV in Paris and Pierre Tourre & Associés in Montpellier)