Join the third cohort of Banc d'essai(s), the ENSAPLV incubator!

Logotype Test bench(s) – © Beau/Voir workshop

Banc d’essai(s) aims to support young architecture firms as they launch or grow by providing practical tools, a framework that fosters transparent dialogue, and a network of young entrepreneurs who share the same goals and questions. It also aims to support architecture entrepreneurs through societal transitions—ecological and digital—to address, in particular, the economic, social, and ethical issues and challenges these transitions entail.

Banc d’essai(s) reflects the image of ENSA Paris-la Villette: committed, open to a wide range of activities and practices, and focused on contemporary issues.

Established in 2025, this incubator is aimed at graduates of architecture schools (DPLG, ADE, DE-HMONP, and equivalent degrees) who have recently launched or are about to launch a business related to the broader field of architecture: architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, scenography, design, project management services (AMO), public engagement, or any other hybrid and multidisciplinary project. Applications may be submitted individually or as a group with other graduates of an ENSA or other schools.

The program has three main components: creating, managing and developing a business; this is achieved through monthly meetings offering workshops with expert speakers and alumni-referents, as well as exchange workshops between incubatees.

A maximum of 20 young companies or entrepreneurial projects are selected, demonstrating a commitment (environmental, technical, social and solidarity-based, to a territory or its inhabitants) and a singularity in their approach.

The 2027 call for applications is open from October 26 to November 29, 2026, at midnight.
The support program assists incubatees in developing their projects from February through November 2027.

Would you like more information?
Visit the page dedicated to the “Banc d’essai(s)” incubator and
Check out the profiles of the young entrepreneurs fromthe Class of 2025 and the Class of 2026.

News

  • Inauguration of the ENSA Paris-la Villette Board of Directors for the 2026–2030 term, and election of Thomas Eleftériou as its chair

    At its inaugural meeting on October 19, 2026, the school’s Board of Directors—composed of members elected in June 2026 and following the appointment of qualified individuals—elected Associate Professor Thomas Eleftériou as its chair, in accordance with Decree No. 2018-109 of February 15, 2018, concerning national schools of architecture.

    The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors now consists of Alessia de Biase, Sylvain Ebodé, Thomas Eleftériou (faculty and researchers), Justine Simonot (ATS members), and Pierre Brachet (student representatives).

  • 2026 Emerging Architects Award

    Registration deadline: November 16, 2026

    This competition, organized annually by BNP Paribas Real Estate since 2008, is open to students enrolled in their 4th or 5th year of study in an architecture program or a dual architecture-engineering program. Candidates may participate either individually or in pairs. For each school, a maximum of six teams are allowed to compete, in the order in which they register.

    The team that wins the Jury Prize will receive €4,000, and the team that wins the Internet Users’ Favorite Prize will receive €2,000.
    Participation in the contest is free; expenses incurred for designing the components of the project submitted to the jury will be reimbursed, upon presentation of receipts, up to €200 per team.

  • 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.

  • Elections for the School's Committees on Academic Programs and Student Life (CFVE) and Research (CR)

    As the terms of office for members of the Commission on Academic Programs and Student Life (CFVE) and the Research Commission (CR) are coming to an end, elections are being held to renew their membership. These two committees, which together make up the institution’s Academic and Scientific Council (CPS), are elected according to common procedures and on the same dates.

    For these elections, which will be held from Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. through Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., the school will use online electronic voting.

  • Network and Systems Administrator (M/F)

    Application deadline: 23/10/2026
    This position is open to both permanent and contract employees.
    Contract: T2
    Statutory category: A – Network and systems administrators – RIFSEEP group 3 / job group 3 of the Albanel circular for contract employees