‘Materia Architecture’ exhibition at Rocalia

The Materia Architecture exhibition, touring the Rocalia trade fair, is an event not to be missed!

Earth, stone and fibres have conquered contemporary architecture. Thousands of projects, of high technical, ecological and aesthetic quality, are emerging across five continents. The democratisation of the use of these materials, which are energy-efficient and available in abundance on the planet, is greatly contributing to reducing the exploitation of non-renewable resources and limiting the energy needs of buildings.

A challenge for contemporary architecture, the use of materials from the soil and fields is one of the most optimistic ways to build for tomorrow, giving new meaning to the building trades. Local resource sectors are organising and developing, creating jobs that strengthen the economic activity of the regions. Bio-based and geo-based materials are essential for post-carbon architecture and contribute to ecological and social transition.

The exhibition and book Materia, which follow on from the two editions Fibra architectures (2019) and TerraFibra (2021), are dedicated to contemporary architecture using earth, stone and plant fibres. They highlight the aesthetic properties, construction advantages and environmental benefits of 40 eco-buildings selected for the Materia Award. Materia reflects a desire to highlight exemplary renovation projects, emphasising the complementary nature of materials. It aims to gain recognition for these buildings among both professionals and the general public, highlighting the courage of the project owners who chose these materials, the creativity of the designers and the expertise of the craftsmen and contractors.

Exhibition and publication, co-productions:
• Pavillon de l’Arsenal
• Les Grands Ateliers
• Amàco
• The Compagnons du Devoir

Co-curators of the exhibition:
• Dominique Gauzin-Müller, architect-researcher, Association Frugalité heureuse & créative
• Yann Le Bihan, master stonemason, head of the Higher Institute for Research and Training in Stone Crafts, Les Compagnons du Devoir
• Louise Lemoine, architect, head of major events, coordinator of the materia award, Les Grands Ateliers
• Zoé Tric, architect-researcher, dissemination coordinator, amàco