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Hôtel-Dieu Hospital (1451)
Beaune, Burgundy, France
I can’t get over this place. They call the architectural style “Flemish Gothic.” The architect was from Belgium. The distinct coloured roof is composed of glazed tiles, the current design dates from the early 20th Century. At any rate, the place was commissioned originally as a hospital for the poor - and was actively utilised as such until 1971. This is what I think is marvellous - a thoughtfully designed building that was meant to be accessed by anyone. To me, there is no better definition of “design” than functional, accessible art. Presently, the building is being used as a museum, so it remains true to its original spirit.