Across Europe, in the main city centres, the rental housing market has risen to such an extent that the working and middle classes, not to mention young people, can no longer find housing at all. In France, where 53% of social housing is now built by private developers, the crisis is as much one of social housing as of the property market. How can we get out of it? Are there other ways forward that not only meet the demand for social housing, but also ensure high-quality architectural production? One answer lies in the transformation, not just of offices into housing, but in the rehabilitation of existing housing stock. Maintaining, repairing, or healing the past to ensure the future. A whole programme of solidarity and urban renewal, which AA offers to explore a few examples. 

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In this issue : 

WHAT’S NEW

Tribute to Richard Serra; AA’s books selection; editors’ favourites exhibitions in Paris, Barcelona, Bordeaux and Brussels; Paris 2024: focus on the new Yves-du-Manoir départemental stadium, Colombes, France; Biennial : Design Doha ; the story of Nancy Thermal, told by Jean-Claude Raspiengeas; the Carnets du réemploi, “Facilitating maintenance”.

VIEWPOINTS

DESIGN – Jean-Sébastien Blanc (studio 5•5) the art of diversion, by Guillaume Ackel
THEATRE — Rimini Protokoll, breaking down walls, by Anastasia de Villepin 
PHOTOGRAPHY – Le Familistère de Guise, by Luc Boegly
CINEMA – Ladj Ly, Houda Benyamina… A wide shot of low-income housing, by Christelle Granja 

PROFIL

REPORT

INTRODUCTION – Going Public, by Éric de Thoisy
REPRESENTATION – Collages, by MAIO
EXPERTISE –In the Balearic Islands, social housing with a smile, by Anastasia de Villepin 
HERITAGE – The first social housing was built in Germany in the 16th century, by Yên Bui
BUILDING –Housing units built by Atelier Robain Guieysse & BMC2 in Rennes, Atelier Philéas in Paris, DBLV architecten in Ghent, Harquitectes in Barcelona, BFV Architectes in Paris
ROUND-TABLE – Report on a round table discussion about social housing organised by AA and IDHEAL, bringing together social landlords, private developers and specialists in the field of social housing in France.

TRENDS

In the news — Rairies Montrieux
Creation — Studio ThusThat
Projects and products — AA’s selection