The 19th edition of the Festival des Architectures Vives (FAV) will be held from June 10-15, 2025. Organized by the Champ Libre association, this festival invites applications for 10 innovative projects to be showcased during the event. Taking place in the heart of Montpellier, within the Ecusson district, the festival will use the inner courtyards of private mansions as the backdrop for these architectural installations, offering visitors a unique journey of architectural discovery.
Event Theme: La Gourmandise
The theme for this edition is “La Gourmandise.” Architects, urban planners, and landscape architects are invited to explore the intersection between architecture and the concept of gourmandise. The courtyards of Montpellier’s private mansions will serve as the canvas for installations that embody the essence of desire, pleasure, and curiosity through architectural expression.
Traditionally associated with culinary indulgence, gourmandise is reimagined in this context as an architectural exploration where materials, shapes, and spaces celebrate the sensory and aesthetic appeal of desire. These installations aim to evoke a sensory response, much like how contemporary cuisine experiments with flavors and textures to create new experiences. Similarly, the installations will challenge traditional architectural boundaries, using elements like materiality, light, and proportions to transform spaces into immersive environments.
Conceptual Approach
Participants are encouraged to reinterpret the codes of architecture through the lens of gourmandise, creating installations that engage visitors in a sensory dialogue. The courtyards of Montpellier’s mansions will be transformed into experimental spaces where every detail is crafted to provoke curiosity and pleasure. The installations should offer a multi-sensory experience, inviting visitors to engage, explore, and savor the architectural elements with their senses and imagination.
Just as molecular cuisine reinvents traditional dishes, these installations should push the boundaries of architectural form and function, creating spaces that are visually delectable and experientially rich. The challenge is to design immersive environments that entice and captivate, making the festival an event that tantalizes both the eyes and the mind.
Participation and Submission Guidelines
This open call is aimed at young architects and landscape architects, encouraging fresh perspectives in architectural design. While multidisciplinary teams are welcome, each team must include at least one architect. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file, not exceeding 10MB in size. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in disqualification.
Conclusion
dThe 2025 edition of the Festival des Architectures Vives promises to be a celebration of architectural creativity and sensory exploration. With the theme of La Gourmandise, the festival seeks to create spaces that not only showcase architectural innovation but also provide a feast for the senses, making this edition a truly memorable experience for both participants and visitors alike.
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