Voisins – Voisines: Alternative Housing Models in France

The exhibition 'Voisins – Voisines' at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine in Paris (June 15 – September 11, 2005) and at arc en rêve centre d'architecture in Bordeaux (December 1, 2005 – February 26, 2006) presents eight innovative grouped housing projects in France. These projects, by architects including Jean Nouvel, Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, Raphaëlle Hondelatte and Mathieu Laporte, Sophie Dugravier and Emmanuelle Poggi, Laurent Debrix and Anne Reychman, and Georges Maurios, offer alternatives to traditional subdivisions. The exhibition features films by Odile Fillion that capture perspectives from clients, architects, and users. The projects explore themes of balance, diversity, and identity, rethinking individual housing within urban and rural contexts, such as the Cité-jardin du Petit Bétheny in Bétheny, the Domaine de Sérillan in Floirac, the Jardins de la Pirotterie in Rezé, Soleil intérieur in Lille, the Villas de Pré-Gras in Saint-Nazaire, Côté parc in Tourcoing, and the Cité Manifeste in Mulhouse.