Le safari des matériaux !
About the event
On Saturday, November 11, we organized a "materials safari" in Caen, open to residents, in partnership with students from the esam's "Design & Transitions" master's program. It was an urban walk through the Vaugueux district, Rue Basse, and the Presqu'Île, during which we invited participants to observe and photograph the city from the perspective of its materials. The idea was to pay attention to them and to reconnect with them.
Observation protocols
We had prepared observation and photography protocols to guide the discussions. Participants were encouraged to consider questions such as:
- What is this wall made of?
- Where does the material that composes it come from?
- What is its history?
- How long will it remain on this facade?
- What adventures still await it?
We tried to share our "architect's glasses" – our way of being fascinated by the small details that fill the city: a facade coating in which seashells appear, a stone wall that seems to have been repaired many times, or even a door frame on which fake bricks have been painted. Whether they seem noble or a bit kitsch to us, they each tell a little story and deserve our attention.
Participation and outcomes
The dozen or so Caen residents who participated fully embraced the activity, and the discussions were rich. Thanks to Elie, Gaëlle, Hasna, Juliette, and Abigail from esam for their support, and to all the participants for their enthusiasm!
Photos: Hannah Höfte, Elie Pleintel, Marion Chapon