Sustainable Architecture: A Key Focus for the 2023 Emerging Architects Award Winners
How the 2023 AJAP award-winning architects embrace sustainable design through bioclimatic techniques, local materials and thoughtful renovation.
Contemporary architecture is reinventing itself in response to climate and environmental challenges. The young architects, particularly the winners of the 2023 Albums of Young Architects and Landscape Architects (AJAP), demonstrate that sustainable architecture is far more than just a trend: it is a necessity and a driving force for innovation. Through diverse practices, these architects address ecological issues by incorporating bioclimatic techniques, promoting local and natural materials, and creating spaces that harmonize with their environment.
Documenting these architectures is at the heart of my architectural assignments.
Bioclimatic Architecture at the Heart of Innovative Practices
Images © Anatomies d’Architecture
The Anatomies d’Architecture agency embodies this commitment through its bioclimatic innovations. Founded by architects and an anthropologist mason, the agency specializes in raw earth construction techniques, a local, ecological, and sustainable material. This choice reflects their vision: reducing the building’s carbon footprint by using renewable resources and creating structures adapted to local climatic conditions. This bioclimatic approach is a powerful example of sustainable architecture that inspires both professionals and the general public.
A Thoughtful and Sustainable Architecture
Images © Bancaù Architectes, Lorenzo Zandri, L’Artisan des Pains Oubliés
Bancaù Architectes in Nice embraces a “thoughtful” architecture by prioritizing simple and efficient processes. Their designs are based on principles of constructive common sense, such as natural ventilation and thermal inertia, to minimize energy consumption while enhancing comfort. By using sustainable materials and relying on traditional expertise, Bancaù Architectes grounds their approach in accessible sustainability, seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of residents.
Renovation and Rehabilitation in Service of Ecology
Images © CALC, Pascal Leopold
The CALC agency, led by Marine Canté, focuses on preserving Brittany’s heritage through renovation and restoration projects. Far from prioritizing demolition, the agency emphasizes the reuse of buildings and materials—an essential practice for reducing waste and conserving resources. By using renewable materials such as wood, stone, or linen, and encouraging the transfer of expertise between generations, CALC successfully combines heritage preservation with environmental respect.
Constructive Sobriety for a Reduced Impact
Several winners of the 2023 AJAP embrace a contextual and refined architecture, where resource efficiency is paramount. Déchelette Architecture advocates for an “economical architecture” that respects local landscapes and cultures.
Image © Déchelette Architecture
Their approach highlights simplicity by selecting materials that align with principles of sustainability and landscape integration. This focus on sobriety is also evident in the work of Esnard and Sanz, who favor a contextual, expressive, and sustainable architecture, relying on dialogue with local craftsmen and stakeholders.
Images © Esnard et Sanz
Contextual Design and Practical Resilience
The Dieu & Bicho Architectes agency, deeply rooted in Mediterranean traditions, represents another facet of sustainable architecture: a contextual design that harmonizes seamlessly with local landscapes.
Images © Mary Gaudin
By reinterpreting vernacular architectural forms and using raw materials, they contribute to creating resilient structures capable of adapting to future climate challenges. This vision, deeply connected to the land and landscape, promotes a rooted architecture that is both sensitive and sustainable.
Towards a Sustainable and Inspiring Architecture for Future Generations
The practices of the 2023 AJAP winners demonstrate that it is possible to design sustainable and inspiring architecture in response to ecological challenges. Whether renovating a building, prioritizing local materials, or incorporating bioclimatic principles, these architects share a common vision: creating spaces that respect and harmonize with their environment.
Through this approach, the young architects of the competition pave the way for a responsible and humanistic architecture, placing respect for the planet and future generations at the heart of their practice.