4th edition of [Ré]inventer l'existant

© Victoria Roussel

Deadline for teacher registration: midnight, March 15, 2026
Deadline for transmission of projects selected by teachers: midnight, July 14, 2026

Co-organized by the DRIEAT and the DRAC d’Île-de-France since 2023, this competition, which is open to students at architecture schools in the Paris region, rewards the best projects for the architectural and energy-efficient transformation and renovation of existing buildings.

It aims to acculturate these future architects to the design of a transformation project by confronting them with real built sites. The projects are carried out as part of their studies, with the support of teachers who help them discover the subtleties and richness of working with existing architecture, while raising their awareness of buildings’ energy needs and ways of reducing them.

How to participate

The competition is open to students enrolled for the 2025-2026 academic year, in the 1st or 2nd cycle (bachelor’s and master’s degrees) of architecture schools based in the Paris region.
Students can compete alone or in teams, or even in multidisciplinary teams with the participation of students from other disciplines (art, construction, design, engineering, etc.), associated within the framework of institutional collaborations (double degree, exchange, cooperation, etc.).

Participation takes place through the intermediary of a referent teacher.

Consult the competition rules2/18/2026 - Pdf file - 16 pages - 3.00 Mo

Since the competition’s inception, projects submitted by ENSA Paris-la Villette students have been recognized by the jury. Each year, they are among the projects that have been noticed and among the winners:

2025
Special Mention Architect Mediator
Eve Bergeron, Emma Coppens and Lilia Hocine: Le Ventre de la Baleine in Pantin (93) – co-constructing the future of a threatened artistic breeding ground
Teaching: “L’opportunité de la banlieue” (M2, PFE), directed by Guillaume Baron and Merril Sineus

2024
Winners in the final-year project category
Sophie San Andres, Sophia San Miguel and Melissa Laborde: Cité de la Maladrerie in Aubervilliers (93) – reappropriation of the first floor, reinforcement of common spaces and adaptation to climate change
Teaching: “L’opportunité de la banlieue” (M2, PFE), directed by Guillaume Baron and Merril Sineus

2023
Winners in the Master 1-Master 2 category
Adam Flores, Maxence Gaudais and Gauthier Gundermann: École Pasteur in Bondy (93) – rehabilitation and extension of a school complex
Teaching: “Déjà-là: ressources, transformation, construction” (M1), directed by Emmanuel Mourier

News

  • W2027 Award

    Online registration deadline: February 1, 2027, at midnight
    Project submission: the week of February 22, 2027

    The W Prize, organized by the Wilmotte Foundation, is open to students and recent graduates of architecture schools in Europe.

    This 12th edition invites participants to conceive a contemporary, light, and reversible installation at the Château d’If site, in dialogue with its history, heritage, and Mediterranean environment. The project should provide a setting conducive to the performing arts by creating a space capable of hosting performances, shows, or artistic interventions related to the site and its history.

    The call for projects is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the DRAC PACA, and the Center for National Monuments.

  • Kick off the new school year (literary) at the school media center

    Understanding Architecture: Where to Start?
    To mark the 3rd edition of “Biblis en folies,” a three-day national event dedicated to libraries and media centers, the ENSA Paris-la Villette media center is publishing “Les fondamentaux,” a list of books recommended by the school’s faculty and research professors.

    “Biblis en folies” is an initiative of the Ministry of Culture. The event will take place on October 2, 3, and 4, 2026, throughout France.

    Reopening of the ENSAPLV Media Library: Monday, October 5, 2026.

  • New male and female teachers

    Ten faculty members and researchers have joined the teaching staff at ENSA Paris-la Villette for the start of the new academic year.

    Welcome to Aly Abdelmagid, Lila Bonneau, Stéphane Bonzani, Delphine Bresson, Christelle Chalumeaux, Juliette Charron, Guillaume Dufilho, Camille Napolitano, Corina Mansuy, and Laure Thierrée!

  • Erasmus Days 2026: Grab your cameras for the ENSAPLV student photo contest!

    How about showing Europe in a different light? To mark Erasmus Days 2026, which will take place from October 12 to 17, ENSAPLV invites all students at the school to participate in a photo contest with a European theme.

    Human dignity, freedom, peace, democracy, equality, human rights, pluralism, tolerance and solidarity, justice! Choose one of the core values that underpin Europe and interpret it in your own way through a photograph.

  • Enroll in the post-master's program in Architectural Research this fall

    The second application period ends on September 14, 2026.

    Are you considering pursuing a dissertation?

    Give yourself the opportunity to spend an additional year in a post-master’s program to solidify your choice and familiarize yourself with the world of architectural research through your first experience working within a research team!

    This program is open to architects with degrees from France or abroad who hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in spatial studies, as well as master’s students (in architecture or other fields) provided they are on track to complete their degree.