Rurality—an abstract concept that seems to exist only in opposition to the city—carries a wealth of meaning, with numerous affective and political connotations. We must therefore use the plural to capture the diversity of spatial transformation practices at work. Initiated by the four regional Maison de l’Architecture, REGARDS freshens up our perspective and casts a new light on the variety of actions, actors, and outcomes.
The call for projects launched in September 2025 gathered over 150 projects and initiatives. The selection committee’s role is not to award prizes, but rather to subject these projects to the cross-examination of rurality experts. This voluntary collection does reveal the wide range of ways these territories are activated: through built or unbuilt spaces; private or public initiatives; educational, participatory, or land-based schemes; at the scale of a plot or more structural…
On December 11, 41 initiatives were selected based on precise criteria:
- Focusing on tangible spatial transformations rather than “prefigurative” projects, and avoiding transient urbanism reduced to mere social tokenism;
- Prioritizing projects that address uses, economic or institutional solutions, and agronomic contexts over mere forms;
- Including contrasting projects to illustrate emerging solutions, the path ahead, and trajectories of improvement.
Organized into “constellations,” the selected examples resonate with each other and highlight several issues specific to rural areas:
- Revitalizing town centers
- Housing: a matter for residents
- Experimenting, transmitting, and transforming practices
- Agriculture & peasant practices
These constellations, at the intersection of architecture and the practices it hosts, are meant to engage in dialogue, fragment, and attempt to become the guiding thread of REGARDS.
Listen to the podcast here.
(1) Arthur Bel (architecte-médiateur, Atelier du Rouget Simon Teyssou & associés), Sabine Girard (docteure en géographie, chercheure à l’INRAE), Sophia Meeres (maître de conférences/professeur adjoint, University College Dublin, School of Architecture Planning and Environmental Policy), Chris Younès (psychosociologue, docteure et HDR en philosophie, professeure à l’École Spéciale d’Architecture, fondatrice et membre du laboratoire Gerphau) sous la direction de Pieter Versteegh (docteur EPF en architecture et sciences de la ville, explore la modernité post-urbaine, cofondateur de l’association européenne de recherche architecturale ARENA dont il anime le réseau alterRurality)
REGARDS is a three-year programmes (2024–2026) organized by the four Maison de l’Architecture Houses of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with specific support from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs, the backing of the Order of Architects in cooperation with local architecture stakeholders, and in partnership with MAJ training centre and Rumeurs radio.
Picture : @Arthur Péquin pour le 308-MA / Graphiqu design : tabaramounien
