The Magazine

AA’s History

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Founded in November 1930 by architect, sculptor and publisher André Bloc, L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui is the oldest French architecture journal. From its first issue, its influence extends way beyond European borders thanks to an editorial board that includes Le Corbusier, Robert Mallet-Stevens, and Auguste Perret.

After Andre Bloc’s passing in 1966, Marc Emery is appointed editor in chief. Deeply affected by the social and cultural changes of the times, he broadens AA’s contents to other disciplines related to architecture, such as sociology, design, the arts – that one can still find in the magazine’s pages.

Enduring financial difficulties, L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui faces its demise in 2007, but Jean Nouvel takes a stand to save this pillar of contemporary architecture. Architect and developer François Fontès, together with Alexandre Allard, entrepreneur as well as architecture enthusiast, create Archipress & Associés publishing house to launch the magazine anew. A new editorial board is gathered, with leading figures such as Shigeru Ban, Renzo Piano, Patrick Bouchain, Frank Gehry, and Winy Maas.

Nearly 90 years after its first issue, L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui brings critical views to contemporary debates on architecture and the city of the 21st century, still faithful to André Bloc’s original vision.

For more information on AA’s history, click on our ”AA Rétro” timeline.

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