Affordable Housing Meets Nature

A French couple has put a new spin on affordable housing by giving buildings a second life and working with nature. Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal have spent 30 years reimagining and revitalizing buildings that might otherwise face demolition. As Lacation told The New York Times, ”we think that is too big a waste of materials. If we observe carefully, if we look at things with fresh eyes, there is always something positive to take from an existing situation.” A key component of the couple’s design is to integrate nature’s elements, including the sun and air and retain the integrity of the surrounding landscape. Lacation and Vassal’s innovative architecture and environmentally sustainable construction have landed them the 2021 Pritzker Price.

Maroke from Getty Images/Canva

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