11H45

Vigneux-Sur-Seine Housing / Margot-Duclot architectes associés

July 19, 2016

+ 15

Architects: Margot-Duclot architectes associés
Area: 4870 m²
Year: 2016
Professionals: Margot-Duclot architectes associés, ERA paysagistes

Centre Hospitalier de Marne-la-Vallée / BRUNET SAUNIER

March 11, 2016

+ 61

Architects: BRUNET SAUNIER: BRUNET SAUNIER
Area: 72000 m²
Year: 2012
Professionals: TERRELL, CIAL, LOCOMOTION, PÉNA & PEÑA, GOLEM IMAGES, +1

Lille Métropole Commercial Court / PETITDIDIERPRIOUX Architects

September 23, 2015

+ 9

Architects: PETITDIDIERPRIOUX Architects
Area: 2000 m²
Year: 2013
Professionals: BECT

Hacine Cherifi Gymnasium / Tectoniques

September 06, 2015

+ 38

Architects: Tectoniques
Area: 2740 m²
Year: 2015
Professionals: Veritas, Itinéraire Bis, Arborescence, Somival, Socotec, +1

Social Platform in Palaiseaus / Atelier Novembre

July 31, 2015

+ 21

Architects: Atelier Novembre
Area: 3400 m²
Year: 2015
Professionals: DV Construction, Satelec, Euro Ascenseurs, Grontmij Sechaud Bossuyt, L'épicerie, +2

Lacaton & Vassal's Lesson in Building Modestly

April 20, 2015

The French duo of Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal are known for their delicate interventions, repurposing neglected structures with apparent effortlessness. Originally published on the Harvard Gazette website entitled "They Build, But Modestly," this article recounts the lessons which they offered students in a recent lecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Around 1980, two young architects finished their training in Bordeaux, France, and moved to Nigeria. In that African nation’s remote regions, they were inspired by the simple structures they saw amid the stark, stunning desert landscapes. The houses were open to the air, had utilitarian thatched roofs, and were made with bits of local wood. Modesty prevailed in structures that also invited beauty.

The lessons of building in Africa stayed with Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal in their Paris-based practice, Lacaton & Vassal: use what is there, stay simple, embrace open air, and honor light, freedom, and grace. They practice social architecture based on economy, modesty, and the found beauty of environments.

+ 3