Architecture and protected spaces
The UDAP has a very open vocation based on three main missions: 1. Advise and promote quality urban planning and architecture. 2. Monitor and evaluate projects in protected areas. 3. Maintain Crown-owned historic monuments.
As such, the UDAP are responsible for the following tasks:
• Provide architectural advice on applications for planning code approvals
• Ensure the implementation of the architectural assistance;
• ensure that local authorities and the public are made aware of the quality of buildings and the development of natural and built spaces;
• Participate in the application of legislation concerning historical monuments, sites protected under the Environmental Code, Remarkable Heritage Sectors (SPR) and safeguarded sectors, propose all protective measures under these legislations and, where appropriate, investigate such measures;
• Contribute to the investigation of development or work projects that concern the surroundings of a historic monument, a site protected under the Environment Code, an SPR or a protected area and, may consider grant applications submitted under the provisions concerning these spaces;
• Ensure the application of outdoor advertising and sign laws and provide assistance to local authorities;
• Lead interdepartmental missions related to sustainable land use planning and renewable energy development.
In parallel with these missions, the architects of the buildings of France (ABF), assigned to each territorial unit of architecture and heritage, also exercise their own authorization powers, agree or recommend that they keep laws and regulations in force.
Role of the AFB:
The work of an ABF is also a work of field, of advice to the clients, of technical and scientific control of the progress of the work. It thus helps to promote quality architecture and urban planning.
In addition, it is the council of local protection associations that often seek its opinion before launching an action on the ground. (Association Ti'Train Lontan, Association Valorisation et de Préservation du Patrimoine des Hauts de Sainte-Marguerite, APPER...)
At the local level, with the help of his deputy, he is responsible for the conservation, safety and security of the Cathedral of Saint Denis (Crown-owned building).
If its purpose is to protect the historical heritage, it is not closed to more contemporary architectural projects, which embellish the territory in a new way.
The ABF organizes meetings several times a month on Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul and Saint-Denis.
Contact the service for more information.
Some key figures:
To give an opinion on the planning authorizations of the territory represents 70% to 75% the mission of an Architect of the Buildings of France of the UDAP of Reunion.
It delivers about 2000 opinion per year on the entire department.
Since 2017, the average licence area of a permit granted is 1005m².
Adverse opinions are negotiated to make the project acceptable. Only 1 project out of 10,000 may not succeed.
The protected area of the island subject to the ABF opinion represents 10% of its surface, and is mainly concentrated on the coasts. These are what are called historic sites.
Specificity of Reunion:
The notion of heritage in Réunion is different from that of a metropolis. Indeed, the architectural heritage is fragile, and it is not intended to be preserved in the long term, due to weather problems, particularly cyclones. It is therefore more or less recent depending on the region, because it is constantly being renewed. The idea of rehabilitating buildings is difficult to conceive of because of this fragility of construction. That is why, on the territory, it is customary to destroy to rebuild, a very Asian vision of heritage.
Periodically, the DAC of La Réunion is called upon to work for the DAC of Mayotte, following the signing of a staff availability agreement. As is the service archaeology.
Sketch: sketch©tienneBergdoltArchitecte
Types of aid provided:
The service does not provide assistance on unprotected buildings. However, it can support grant applications to the Regional Council. It can also provide technical assistance, as it is important to have additional expertise that is separate from the project prescriber.
CONTACTS:
> Architecte of Bedifices of France: Étienne Bergdolt, Tel.: +262 (0)2 62 41 99 43
> Deputy Head of UDAP974: Jean-Chrislin Gazan, tel.: +262 (0)2 62 41 99 50
> Technician of Buildings of France : Stéphane Bauchet, tel.: +262 (0)2 62 21 90 84
> Technician of Buildings of France : Joël Maitre d'Hôtel, tel.: +262 (0)2 62 21 91 45
> Assistant: Maryse Dambreville, Tel.: +262 (0)2 41 99 42
