Pourquoi le réemploi ?

About the residency theme

This residency focuses on "Imaginaires de réemploi" (Reuse Imaginaries), addressing architectural, urban, and societal challenges. Reuse is a practical approach to conserving finite resources, as the construction industry is a major consumer of non-renewable materials like sand, minerals, and petroleum, while also generating vast amounts of waste.

Historically, reuse was common—materials from demolished buildings were salvaged for reconstruction rather than discarded. However, industrialization, easier access to distant resources, and a culture of new consumption led to the decline of these practices. Reuse is a logical, time-tested solution that encourages us to value existing materials.

Beyond resource conservation, reuse preserves the memory, emotional connection, and heritage associated with materials. This dimension is particularly meaningful, as explored during our first residency session in Caen.