In 2016, the AJAP jury particularly highlighted the steps exploratory » of the 20 teams selected. Aware of the challenges of their time, they address major contemporary issues in a responsible and committed manner, while striving to make architecture a common and daily good, closer to everyone. Focus on the projects of four of them
Antoine Dufour Architects: "heritage as a tool of freedom"
The approach. " Decompartmentalize » This is what mobilizes Pierre Dufour, born in 1987, and Aymeric Antoine, born in 1986, in their architectural practices. At the origin of this mobilization, a double passion, both for ancient architecture very elementary, carrying a sacred and impalpable dimension» and for contemporary architecture, more conceptual. The foundations of a desire for interdisciplinarity are thus laid: the duo decides to reinvest the question of heritage, « this heritage to which we do not always identify », and to work for the integration of quality contemporary architecture in sustainable heritage structures.
The project. The two architects set out to renovate the Château de Foix in order to streamline its relationship with the city. For this, they will dig in the cliff supporting the fortress a tunnel and a well of nearly 40 meters deep where will pass an elevator. This one will arrive on a panoramic terrace open to a very bare enclosed space where the north tower of the castle dominates an open-air patio. The ensemble, integrated into the rock and freely inspired by Cathar architecture, is designed to impact the heritage image of the site as little as possible, while allowing the discovery of the Pyrenean landscapes on the horizon and the city of Foix below.
Atelier Amélie Fontaine: "experimenting in rural areas"
The approach. Amélie Fontaine, born in 1985, first worked in Paris before feeling the need to return to her native region, Avesnois, in Hauts-de-France, to work in less dense territories where, according to her, ' landscape and agriculture are at the heart of any architectural project ». She then specialized in bioclimatics, ecology and wood construction with the ambition to build quality and efficient spaces at low prices. Although it was not always easy for her to defend her projects in this environment, where the work of the architect received less recognition, Amélie Fontaine armed herself with patience and pedagogy to actively defend her desire to link agriculture and urbanization. The territory in which she works is conducive to test projects that could be completely re-experienced in an urban setting ».
The project. The architect - landscape architect put into practice his learning on the occasion of a first flagship project, a goat farm located near an artificial lake: structure in solid wood panels on the outskirts, wood frame for heated and modular interior spaces, System of post-beams for the breeding part. She has also designed an eco-friendly crib open to the south by a curtain wall, where a terrace extends the activity spaces, and has an exterior facade composed of insulated straw boxes and wood siding.
Mutations Architectes: "invent the command"
The approach. Marie-Hélène Pinoche, born in 1984, Quentin Belin and Pierre de Montigny, born in 1983, all reveal themselves eager to project themselves into committed architecture. Their concern? To generate orders in line with contemporary social issues that are important to them. The name of their agency – “Mutations” – is explained by the free, evolutionary and sensitive approach they take to their work. They present projects upstream of possible orders, such as a web platform intended to equip bus stops or the establishment of emergency telephone terminals to be installed on the Channel of Sicily. Their intentions are detailed in story-boards In fact, it places illustration and narration at the heart of the process of transmitting the trio’s ideas.
The project. Young architects, looking for new solutions to facilitate housing, have a particular interest in housing programmes which they see as ' adapted » to their users: residences for the elderly, intergenerational habitats invested by both seniors and students as well as homes for the mentally handicapped are all ongoing projects within the agency. They are also working to transform an existing business building in Montreuil, so as to offer rents for craft activities below the market price » and thus foster a potential renewal of crafts in this area.
Gama: "landscape through use"
The approach. The founders of the agency Gama – Mélanie Gasté, born in 1980) and Grégory Dubu, born in 1976 – are particularly interested in public spaces where the specifications, “ often sketchy gives them a certain amount of latitude. They have a “ very cartographic ', on a large scale and analyze at length the territory on which they will work. For them, a well-done intervention is above all an intervention forgetful », and reveals the qualities of the surrounding site. The interaction between man and plant is also at the heart of their approach: the space planted in itself counts just as much as the way in which one plays, moves or settles there.
The project. On the occasion of the Amiens Hortillonages Festival, the landscapers developed a temporary garden in which they placed clods of land planted in the water, on the banks and in the trees. Cultivated by them, the site shows a whole range of plants and involves the visitor, who can operate a hydraulic pump to water the suspended fragments with the water of the Somme. Mélanie Gasté and Grégory Dubu were also asked to design a shared garden in Orléans. Located in the heart of the Saint-Flou island, between a student residence and a home-residence for seniors, this ' intergenerational garden » will be oriented towards the development of the senses. Crossed by several major axes, it will also include secondary paths, which will invite walkers to engage in a more intimate exploration of the site.
Les Albums des jeunes architectes et paysagistes, support for young designers
The AJAP, created in 1980 and organized every two years, aims to promote professionals under 35 who have carried out a project or participated in a competition in France and demonstrate, in this context, with a certain originality in their approach to the cultural, economic, scientific or technical issues of architecture and landscape. The Ministry of Culture and Communication, with the support of the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine and the French Institute, promotes the work of the laureates by publishing a catalogue as well as a website, the establishment of a sponsorship circle and the production of a travelling exhibition in France and abroad.
This distinction is now an integral part of the support measures for young professionals implemented under the National Architecture Strategy. This is characterized, in particular by the law of 7 July 2016 on freedom of creation, architecture and heritage, by its desire to strengthen architectural and landscape innovation, and to promote the quality of construction and living environment.
An evening debate around the exhibition will take place at the Cité de l'architecture & du patrimoine on Tuesday 4 April 2017 at 7 pm.
> With the architects: Antoine Dufour Architectes, Atelier Amélie Fontaine, Atelier ATP, Atelier de l'Ourcq, Buzzo Spinelli Architecture, MAAJ Architectes, Mutations Architectes, Oh! Som architects
> With the landscapers: Atelier Gama, Wagon landscaping
> Moderation: Karine Dana, exhibition curator