Durabilis Award 2024
© 2024 EPFL
The master's project by Julien Pignat, carried out at the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST), is one of the winners of the Prix Durabilis 2024, a joint award of the Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Université de Lausanne (UNIL). In the context of urban transition, his work presents an architectural approach based on the combination of the reconversion of existing buildings and the reuse of building materials.
The reuse of materials is interesting from several points of view: it minimizes the need to extract materials, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and generates local, non-transferable employment. However, integrating it into practice brings with it new challenges in terms of project dynamics, methods of working with materials and implementation conditions. The proximity of extraction sites, matching supply and demand, the effort required, storage and the technical requirements of the elements are also part of these challenges.
Against this backdrop, the approach proposed by Julien Pignat made it possible to analyze the various issues involved in design integrating reused elements and develop an original methodology for “reverse design” induced by reuse. His project focuses on the redevelopment of part of the Plaines-du-Loup site in Lausanne, for which he is proposing the conversion of existing buildings, currently dedicated to the Service des automobiles et de la navigation.
Using materials salvaged from the demolition of the Halles de Beaulieu - two kilometers from the site - his plan is to build a school and sports halls starting from what already exists. His approach is also intended to be social, by proposing a diversification of activities on the site and the optimization of spaces outside school hours.
The follow-up group of this master's project entitled “Plaines-du-Loup : le réemploi comme moteur d'un quartier en transition”, consisted of Prof. Emmanuel Rey (supervisor, LAST), Prof. Marilyne Andersen (professor, LIPID) and Loïc Fumeaux (mentor, LAST).