# Manuelle Gautrand Architecture

> Parisian architecture firm founded in 1991, specializing in poetic, contextual contemporary architecture across cultural, mixed-use, office, hospitality, and residential projects.

## About the Firm

Manuelle Gautrand Architecture is an architectural practice based in Paris and Avignon, France. Founded in 1991 by Manuelle Gautrand and Marc Blaising, the firm has established itself as a leading voice in contemporary European architecture.

The studio's approach constantly questions new lifestyles and territorial context, creating architecture that serves both city and citizens through innovative, sensitive design. Each project is eminently contextual and functional while imbued with beauty and poetry.

### Design Philosophy

- **Contextual Design**: Far from standardized international architecture, each project responds to its specific site, history, culture, geography, and topography
- **Environmental Ambition**: Seeking the most relevant environmental solutions, drawing on local and cultural site qualities, trying to create a beauty rooted in its site’s DNA
- **Material Approach**: Scientific yet sensorial, predominantly sourcing from local resources and highlighting regional craftsmanship
- **Narrative Architecture**: "Storytellers" who generate desire for architecture, creating projects that tell stories and inspire journeys
- **Symbolic Meaning**: Developing meaningful, inclusive, and ethical architecture through narrative and symbolism
- **Thoughtful and sensitive approach to architecture**: Just as exteriors and interiors are closely intertwined in her works, so are new and old
- **“re-enchant the city”**: By reinventing, renewing, and innovating a humanist design path full of unexpected answers, surprises, and architectonic expectations that are bold, refreshing and poetic

### Firm History

- **Founded**: 1991
- **Founders**: Manuelle Gautrand & Marc Blaising
- **Locations**: Paris & Avignon, France
- **Recognition**: Multiple international awards and exhibitions including Venice Architecture Biennale (2002, 2004, 2008, 2023)
- **Collections**: Permanent collections at Centre Pompidou and Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, Paris

## Project Typologies

The firm works across diverse programs, from large public projects to intimate interventions, with growing expertise in conversion and restructuring:

- **Cultural**: Museums, theaters, cultural centers, performance venues
- **Mixed-Use**: Combined residential, commercial, and public spaces
- **Office**: Corporate headquarters, business centers, workspace design
- **Hospitality**: Hotels, restaurants, leisure facilities
- **Residential**: Housing developments, apartment buildings
- **Urban Planning**: City planning, public spaces, infrastructure
- **Conversion & Restructuring**: Adaptive reuse, heritage projects

## Site Architecture

### Navigation Structure

- `/` - Homepage with interactive typologies grid
- `/projects` - Comprehensive project index with search and filtering
- `/projects/[typology]` - Projects filtered by typology category
- `/projects/[typology]/[project]` - Individual project pages with full details
- `/about` - Studio information, team, awards, exhibitions, partners
- `/media` - Books, publications, monographs, press coverage
- `/contact` - Contact information, office locations, job opportunities
- `/legals` - Legal information and terms

### Project Data Structure

Each project includes comprehensive information:

**Metadata**
- Title, reference code, typology
- Location (city, country, coordinates)
- Client, program, surface area
- Competition date, construction dates
- Status (built, ongoing, competition, not built)
- Building types/functions

**Content**
- Project description and narrative
- High-resolution image gallery with descriptions
- Architectural drawings and diagrams
- Technical specifications
- Environmental approach
- Material details

**Related Content**
- Related projects by typology or theme
- Associated awards
- Press coverage and publications
- Exhibition history

## Exhibitions & Recognition

The firm has been featured in numerous exhibitions:

- **Venice Architecture Biennale**: 2023, 2008, 2004, 2002
- **Site Le Corbusier**, Firminy: Monographic exhibition, 2021
- **Pavillon de l'Arsenal**, Paris: 2018
- **Centre Pompidou**, Metz: 2010
- **Arkitektur Museet**, Stockholm: 2009
- **Swiss Architecture Museum**, Basel: 2008
- **Archilab**, Orléans: 2002

### Permanent Collections

- Centre Pompidou, Paris
- Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, Paris

### Media Coverage

Multiple documentaries broadcast on ARTE ("L'Art & la Manière" and "Chic", 2008)

## Studio Team

The team comprises architects, project managers, researchers, model makers, graphic designers, and support staff. Many collaborators have gone on to establish their own practices or work in renowned international firms.

### Collaborative Culture

- Diverse international team from Europe, Asia, Americas, Middle East
- Some collaborators have been with the firm for years, others for months
- Alumni network includes established architects running their own practices
- Culture of learning, research, experimentation, and rigorous design development

## Contact & Opportunities

The firm regularly posts job opportunities and internships. See `/contact#jobs` for current openings.

Offices in Paris and Avignon, France.

## Typologies

- [Residential](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential): Residential projects of Manuelle Gautrand Architecture
- [Work](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work)
- [Hospitality](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality)
- [Leisure](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure)

## Projects

- [Lalzi Bay Calling](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/lalzi-bay-calling): Housing Building, Hotel building — Lalzi Bay, Albania — 2025 — ongoing. holiday appartments, hotel, restaurants, rooftop pool
- [Alma Terra](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/folie-manuguerra): Housing Building — Montpellier, France — 2023 — ongoing. Collective housing blocs - Winning project from the "Folies de Montpellier" call of projects. With Estebe-Cathala, architects.
- [Golem Beach](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/golem-beach): Housing Building, Hotel building — Durres, Albania — 2025 — ongoing. Housings, hotel appartments, hotel, restaurant, bar...
- [Sous Les Lauzes](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/casa-lauza-artwork-shelter): Housing Building — Bessuejouls, France — 2024 — built. A work of art - refuge for hikers on the route de St Jacques de Compostelle (GR 65) at Bessuejouls in Aveyron - France
- [Lyautey Housing](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/lyautey-housing): Housing Building, Refurbished Building — Strasbourg, France — 2023 — ongoing. Refurbishment and extension of an old military hospital in collective housing and retail
- [Adriatic Arches](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/radhime-hotel-housings): Housing Building, Hotel building — Radhimë, Albanie — 2025 — ongoing. holiday appartments, hotel, restaurants, pool
- [Qerret Housings](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/qerret-housings): Housing Building — Qerret, Albania — 2025 — ongoing. 90 apartments housing block With IMPULS ARCHITECTS – Tirana (Albania)
- [Upper East Tirane](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/upper-east-tirane): Office Building, Housing Building — Tirana, Albania — 2025 — ongoing. Apartment building, offices, shops - with Artech Architects
- [Lille Metropolitan Square C](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/lot-c-housing-building): Housing Building — Lille, France — 2023 — ongoing. C Plot Housing Building
- [Tirane Jardins](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/tirane-jardins): Housing Building — Tirana, Albania — 2025 — ongoing. Apartment building, shops - with Xplan Studio
- [Private Apartment](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/private-apartment): Housing Building, Refurbished Building — Paris, France — built. Refurbishment of a private 2 floors appartment in Le Marais - Paris
- [Edison Lite](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/edison-lite): Housing Building — Paris, France — built. Housing block (25 flats) in Paris - Project winner of "REINVENTER PARIS" consultation
- ["104" Zac Front Populaire](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/104-saint-denis): Housing Building — Saint-Denis, France — 2026 — competition. Collective housings block (95 flats) and activities
- [Hyde Park Housing](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/hyde-park): Housing Building — Amsterdam, The Nederlands — 2018 — notBuilt. Housings block (9 houses, 400 flats) in Hyde Park District - Hoofddorp / Amsterdam
- [Tilia Tower](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/tilia-tower): Retail Building, Office Building, Housing Building, Hotel building — Lausanne, Switzerland — 2020 — competition. Mixed use tower (offices - hôtel - shopping mall) in Lausanne - Switzerland
- [Avant Scene](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/avant-scene): Housing Building, Retail Building — Strasbourg, France — 2019 — competition. Collective housing + retail + parking
- [Cartoucherie Housing Block](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/cartoucherie-housing-block): Housing Building — Toulouse, France — built. 170 flats green housing block, Zac Cartoucherie in Toulouse
- [Housing & Hotel Tower](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/housing-tower): Housing Building, Hotel building — Goteborg, Sweden — 2014 — competition. Mixed Use Tower with Appartments, Hotel, Office, Retail, ...
- [Luchtplaats Housing](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/luchtplaats-housing): Housing Building — Amsterdam, The Nederlands — 2018 — competition. Transformation of an old prison into an housing complex with an education center, restaurant and café, aso...
- [Helianthe Housing](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/helianthe-housing): Housing Building — Boulogne, France — built. Housing block of 35 housings in Boulogne-Billancourt
- [Solaris Housing Block](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/residential/solaris-housing-block): Housing Building — Rennes, France — built. Housing block of 100 apartments & socio-cultural center in Rennes
- [R.T.E. Office Building](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/r-t-e-office-building): Office Building — Lille, France — 2020 — built. Office building for RTE (Reseau de Transport d'Electricité) in Lille, France
- [Espace E2 Cambaceres](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/plot-e2-cambaceres): Office Building — Montpellier, France — 2025 — ongoing
- [Lille Metropolitan Square A](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/lot-a-headquarter-office-building): Office Building — Lille, France — 2021 — ongoing. A Plot Office Building
- [Bradstapeln](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/bradstapeln): Office Building, Refurbished Building — Stockholm, Sweden — 2017 — notBuilt. Refurbishment and heightening extension of the Brädstapeln mixed-use building (offices and retail) in Stockholm.
- [Le Monde Headquarters](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/le-monde-headquarters): Office Building — Paris, France — 2014 — competition
- [Administrative Building](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/administrative-building): Office Building — Montpellier, France — 2014 — competition. In association with RAZZLE DAZZLE Architects, Paris - France
- [Le Monolithe Building](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/le-monolithe-building): Office Building — Lyon, France — built. Office building - ZAC Lyon Confluence in Lyon
- [Cite Des Affaires](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/cite-des-affaires): Office Building — Saint-Etienne, France — built. Office Building in Saint-Etienne
- [Origami Building](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/origami-building-paris): Office Building — Paris, France — built. Barclays headquarters building, avenue de Friedland in Paris 8
- [University](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/university): Office Building — Luxemburg, Luxemburg — 2008 — competition. La maison du nombre - institute of mathematical sciences in Luxemburg
- [10.4b Office Building](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/10-4b-mixed-use-building): Office Building — Lille, France — 2008 — competition. Office building in Euralille
- [University](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/university-2): Office Building — Lieusaint, France — built. Professional academic institute in Lieusaint
- [A12 Warehouse](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/a12-warehouse): Transport Building — Gennevilliers, France — built. Logistic warehouse in the harbour of Gennevilliers
- [Toll Booth](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/toll-booth-2): Transport Building — A16, France — built. 5 toll stations + restroom facilities on A16 motorway
- [School](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/school): Office Building — Ecully, France — built. Secondary School in Ecully
- [Airport Warehouse](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/work/airport-warehouse): Transport Building — Nantes, France — built. Airport warehouse on Nantes-Atlantique airport
- [Spille Boutique Hotel](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/spille-boutique-hotel): Hotel building — Spille, Albania — 2025 — ongoing. 4* Hotel 70 rooms + restaurant + pool + spa
- [Hotel MGalery Valence](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/mgalery-valence): Hotel building — Valence, France — 2023 — ongoing. 4* Hotel 70 rooms + restaurant + pool
- [Marievik M27& M30 Blocks](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/marievik-m27-m30-blocks): Office Building, Hotel building — Stockholm, Sweden — 2024 — ongoing. Offices, hotel, café, shops, facilities
- [Marriott Hotels](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/marriott-hotels): Hotel building — Roissy Airport, France — built. One RESIDENCE INN Hotel, and one COURTYARD Hotel, facilities, restaurant in Roissy Airport.
- [The Belaroia Montpellier](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/mixed-use-building): Housing Building, Hotel building — Montpellier, France — built. 4* hotel, 3* hotel, housing & retail building
- [W Hotel](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/w-hotel): Hotel building, Refurbished Building — Paris, France — 2017 — notBuilt. Refurbishment and extension of the W Hotel (5*) in Paris - Opera Garnier District
- [Residence Hotel Hipark](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/indochine-hotel): Hotel building — Paris, France — 2009 — built. Hotel Residence Hipark Paris La Villette - 125 rooms
- [Nice By Versace](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/nice-by-versace): Hotel building — Nice, France — 2019 — competition. BOUTIQUE HOTEL FURNISHED BY VERSACE & RESTAURANT
- [Mero Beach Resort](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/mero-beach-resort): Hotel building — Dominica, Dominica — 2010 — notBuilt. 20 private luxury villas resort on the Dominica Island
- [V33/F37 Hotel And Retail Building](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/hospitality/mixed-use-building-2): Retail Building, Hotel building, Refurbished Building — Copenhagen, Denmark — 2006 — notBuilt. V33/F37" - mixed-use building: hotel, restaurant & retail in Copenhagen
- [Food market](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/food-market): Cultural Building, Retail Building — Kavaja, Albania — 2026 — ongoing
- [Wine & food "village"](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/wine-food-village): Retail Building — Beaune, France — 2023 — notBuilt
- [Phive – Library & Community Center](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/civic-community-build): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Parramatta, Australia — built. Council chambers, library, customer center, visitor experience center, community meeting rooms, aso.
- [Les Folies De Neuilly](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/les-folies-de-neuilly): Cultural Building, Retail Building — Neuilly Sur Seine, France — 2023 — notBuilt. 17 "Folies" (pavillion) for retail, exhibitions, concept store, aso... on Avenue Charles de Gaulle
- [Les Nouvelles Galeries](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/galeries-lafayette): Retail Building, Refurbished Building — Annecy, France — built. Restructuring - extension of Galeries Lafayette shopping mall in Annecy
- [Philharmonic Hall](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/philharmonic-hall): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Riga, Lettonie — 2023 — competition. Restructuring and extension of a soviet-era congress centre into a national philharmonic hall
- [Dubai Mall Dior Boutique](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/dubai-mall-dior-boutique): Retail Building — Dubaï, United Arab Emirates — 2017 — competition. Facade Design of the Christian Dior Boutique in Dubai Mall shoping center in Dubaï
- [Alesia Cinemas](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/alesia-cinema): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Paris, France — built. Reconstruction of Alesia cinema theaters (1.840 seats) in Paris
- [Riga Circus](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/riga-circus): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Riga, Lettonie — 2018 — competition. Refurbishment and extension of the Riga Circus Historical Monument
- [Fine Arts Museum](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/fine-arts-museum): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Bayonne, France — 2016 — competition. EXTENSION AND REFURBISHMENT OF THE "BONNAT HELLEU" FINE ART MUSEUM
- [Culture Facilities](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/culture-facilities): Cultural Building — Saint-Louis, France — built. "Le FORUM": cultural, sport and community center in Saint-Louis
- [Galeries Lafayette](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/galeries-lafayette-2): Retail Building, Refurbished Building — Metz, France — built. Re-design of the facades of Galeries Lafayettes commercial center in Metz
- [Le Palace Theater 2](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/le-palace-theater-2): Cultural Building — Bethune, France — built. Extension-restructuring of National Drama Theater "Le Palace" in Bethune
- [Maison De La Culture](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/maison-de-la-culture): Cultural Building — Bourges, France — 2014 — competition. Reconstruction of the Cultural Center "Maison de la Culture" in Bourges
- [Shopping Mall](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/shopping-mall-3): Retail Building — Saint-Genis Pouilly, France — 2012 — competition. SHOPPING MALL, RETAIL, RESTAURANTS, CINEMAS
- [Modern Art Museum](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/modern-art-museum): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Lille, France — built. Restructuring & extension of the Lille Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art in Villeneuve-d'Ascq (LaM)
- [Gaite Lyrique](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/gaite-lyrique): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Paris, France — built. Conversion & refurbishment of the Gaite Lyrique theater in a center dedicated to digital arts and music in Paris.
- [Louis Vuitton Maison](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/louis-vuitton-maison): Retail Building — Seoul, Korea — 2011 — competition. Retail space, cafe, exhibition space in Seoul
- [Munch Museum](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/munch-museum): Cultural Building — Oslo, Norway — 2009 — competition. Munch Museum in Oslo
- [Arsenal Exhibition](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/arsenal-exhibition): Cultural Building — Paris, France — built. Pavillon de l'Arsenal: exhibition scenography "The Invention of the European Tower'' in Paris
- [Citroen Showroom](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/citroen-showroom): Retail Building — Paris, France — built. C42: Citroen flagship showroom, avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris
- [Conservatory](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/conservatory-2): Cultural Building, Refurbished Building — Besancon, France — 2007 — competition. National Conservatory of Franche-Compté Region and FRACin Besancon
- [Contemporary Art Fondation](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/contemporary-art-fondation): Cultural Building — Boulogne, France — 2001 — competition. Francois Pinault Foundation for Contemporary Art on Seguin island in Boulogne
- [Cultural Complex](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/projects/leisure/cultural-complex): Cultural Building — Saint-Louis, France — built. "La coupole" cultural complex auditorium 550 seats & three cinema theaters in Saint-Louis

## Studio

- [About](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/about)
- [Media](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/media)
- [Contact](https://manuelle-gautrand.com/contact)