3/25 – 4/25 Paris, Fr

Following two previous versions in 2019 and 2011, a new material-focussed exhibition is the joint production between Pavillon de l’Arsenal, Grands Ateliers, amàco and the Association ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France.

The exhibition at ‘third-space’ venue, Césure, looks at modern-day works of architecture that employ age-old materials; earth, stone and plant fibres. Selected are 40 case studies, from across France and Europe – extending beyond into examples from South America, Africa and China. Amongst the innovative new-builds on show, numerous re-use and renovation projects are also represented – improving the reach and appeal to self-builders/amateurs as much as industry professionals.

The design of the exhibition benefits from a clear architectural language, thanks to original and thoughtfully-crafted displays by architects (and woodworkers) Materra-Matang.

The humble yet functional approach reinforces the admirable efforts of the exhibition which, in the words of the organisers, ‘aims to achieve recognition of these buildings by the profession and the general public, highlighting the courage of the project owners who chose these materials, the creativity of the designers and the know-how of the craftsmen and contractors.’

Materia Architectures: 40 Buildings in Stone, Earth and Plant Fibres
Exhibition and events run from 23rd March to 26th April 2025 
Césure, 13 Rue Santeuil, 75005 Paris 5, France