TRANSFORMATIONS

The environmental issues that must guide construction lead us to prioritize the preservation of existing structures and their transformation, whenever possible.

This obviously does not mean freezing existing buildings in their current state. They must be renovated, their uses adapted to new practices, and their performance optimized, particularly in terms of thermal and energy efficiency.

For example, maintenance and renovation activity has already exceeded new construction activity in France for several years, and the gap is widening. Total construction activity has been declining in France for three years, as has new construction. However, maintenance and renovation activity has been increasing every year. It is therefore becoming essential for all project managers.

This requires a unique approach on the part of architects, distinct from the process of creating a new object on a vacant lot. It calls for a particular kind of creativity to understand a building, sense its strengths and limitations, and develop architectural and programmatic strategies.

We therefore wanted to focus this new edition of ArchiJeunes on the theme of Transformation. Four representative locations will be detailed during the competition phase, and candidates will be asked to give them a new use and quality.

In addition, we wanted to encourage collaboration between architects, whichwe have always favored over the work of a single individual. We believe that shared design amplifies creativity. Therefore, we ask candidates to participate in teams of two to four architects.

By organizing this award, the Valode & Pistre agency wishes to give a voice to architecture students who are nearing the end of their studies or have recently graduated, and who wish to contribute to the discussions that inspire us. We are convinced that this new generation of architects can provide a creative and innovative vision on these subjects. It will also be an opportunity for them to make themselves known and enter the professional world by finding ways to deepen their own thinking.

The projects will be selected by a jury composed of architects and prominent figures chosen for their interest and expertise in relation to the issues raised.

Since its creation, Valode et Pistre has favored renovation over demolition. This was the case for the CAPC in Bordeaux in the Entrepôt Lainé, the DRAC in Lyon in the Grenier d'Abondance, Bercy Village in the former wine cellars of Paris, the restructuring of the Initiale and Opus 12 towers, and the Grande Arche in Paris La Défense. Whether heritage buildings or more mundane constructions, old or modern buildings, the same approach has guided this desire to make the most of what is already in place.