Label "Outstanding contemporary architecture"
The "Outstanding Contemporary Architecture" label is awarded to buildings, architectural ensembles, works of art and installations previously the subject of the "Heritage of the twentieth century" label, not classified or listed as historical monuments, among those less than 100 years old, whose design is of sufficient architectural or technical interest.
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Freedom of Creation, Architecture and Heritage Act (CASL) Promulgated on July 7, 2016, article 78 highlights the challenge of recognizing recent architectural and urban achievements that contribute to the quality of the French living environment. As a result, section 78 of the CASL Act created the “Outstanding Contemporary Architecture” label, which replaces the Heritage of the 20th Century label. The Decree of 28 March 2017 specifies the procedures for awarding the label.
The objective is to identify and bring to the attention of the public the buildings and urban complexes which, among the architectural achievements of the 20th and 21st centuries, are as many material witnesses of the technical evolution, economic, social, political and cultural aspects of our society.
This label may be awarded to buildings, architectural complexes, structures and improvements of less than 100 years of age not protected under the title of historical monuments whose design is of sufficient architectural or technical interest by decision of the regional prefect, after consulting the Regional Committee on Heritage and Architecture.
Obligation is made to the owner of the property labeled to inform the prefect of any work project on the property. The purpose of this provision is to encourage a change of the property respecting its architectural or urban qualities through a dialogue between the owner and the competent State services.
In case of degradation such that the qualities of the property that motivated its labeling have disappeared, the withdrawal of the label is pronounced by the prefect.
Procedure for implementing the label
These are the regional cultural affairs directorates (DRAC) which are responsible for implementing the label. It is up to them to set up working groups bringing together inventory researchers, managers of documentary studies of historical monuments, architects of French buildings, relevant lecturers from national architecture colleges and universities, archive curators and representatives of associations on architectural archives, for the purpose of establishing selection criteria.
These working groups propose a list of buildings (including requests for the award of the label of owners or third parties) likely to benefit from the label "Remarkable contemporary architecture". The DRAC presents the files before the Regional Heritage and Architecture Commission (RCAP) who gives an opinion to the regional prefect, who awards the label.
Promotion, Communication
Labeled buildings are marked with a plaque bearing the logo of the label. This plaque is presented or unveiled at a ceremony in the presence of the DRAC.
Many awareness-raising and dissemination actions are conducted by the Ministry of Culture – Directorate-General for Heritage and DRAC (exhibitions, publications or even programs). Recently the sub-directorate of architecture, quality of construction and living environment has realized a review of buildings labelled between 2017 and 2020. The network of Architectural, urban and environmental advice (CAUE) as well as the Cities and Countries of Art and History (VPAH) contribute to the promotion of labeled buildings, through the valorization actions they conduct.
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