Lacaton & Vassal: Never Demolish, Never Remove, Always Transform

    Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, the recipients of the 2021 Pritzker Architecture Prize, are celebrated for their philosophy of "never demolish, never remove, always transform." Their work is a testament to the power of thoughtful intervention and adaptive reuse, demonstrating how existing structures can be reimagined and revitalized to meet contemporary needs while preserving their inherent character and history.

A Philosophy of Transformation:

    Lacaton and Vassal's approach to architecture is rooted in a deep respect for the existing built environment. They believe that demolition is wasteful and unnecessary, and that existing buildings offer a wealth of potential waiting to be unlocked. Their projects often involve subtle yet impactful interventions, transforming existing structures into vibrant and functional spaces without erasing their past.

Focus on Social Housing:

    Much of Lacaton and Vassal's work focuses on social housing, where they have demonstrated a remarkable ability to improve living conditions for residents while minimizing disruption and cost. Their projects often involve adding space, light, and amenities to existing housing blocks, creating more comfortable and dignified living environments.

Key Themes:

    • Adaptive Reuse: Lacaton and Vassal specialize in transforming existing buildings, giving them new life and purpose. 

    • Sustainability: Their approach minimizes waste and resource consumption by preserving and reusing existing structures. 

    • Social Impact: Their work often focuses on improving the lives of residents in social housing, creating more equitable and sustainable communities. 

    • Generosity of Space: They prioritize creating generous and flexible spaces that can adapt to the changing needs of residents. 

    

Iconic Works:

    • Tour Bois-le-Prêtre (Paris, France): This project involved the transformation of a 17-story social housing tower, adding winter gardens and balconies to each apartment, significantly improving the living conditions for residents.

      Tour BoislePrêtre by Lacaton & Vassal 

    • Latapie House (Floirac, France): This private residence demonstrates Lacaton and Vassal's ability to create generous and adaptable spaces within a modest budget. The house features a large greenhouse-like extension that provides flexible living space.

      Latapie House by Lacaton & Vassal 

    • Cité Manifeste (Mulhouse, France): This social housing project involved the construction of new housing units that were designed to be adaptable and expandable, allowing residents to customize their living spaces.

      Cité Manifeste by Lacaton & Vassal 

    • Palais de Tokyo (Paris, France): Lacaton & Vassal have undertaken several interventions at the Palais de Tokyo, creating flexible and adaptable spaces for exhibitions and events.

      Palais de Tokyo by Lacaton & Vassal 

      

Pritzker Prize Citation:

    The Pritzker Prize jury praised Lacaton and Vassal for "their commitment to the transformative potential of architecture" and for "their ability to create beautiful and functional spaces that are accessible to all." They highlighted their "radical yet delicate approach" to architecture and their "profound understanding of the social and environmental implications of their work."

Legacy:

    Lacaton and Vassal's work is a powerful reminder that architecture can be a force for positive change, and that even the most ordinary buildings can be transformed into extraordinary spaces. Their philosophy of "never demolish, never remove, always transform" offers a valuable lesson for architects and urban planners around the world, demonstrating the potential for sustainable and socially responsible design.