The

Test bed(s) 2025: end of incubation year

Physical location
Salle de conférences RDC - ENSAPLV - Site Ardennes, 23 rue des Ardennes, 75019 Paris

The young architects/entrepreneurs of the Class of 2025 – © Hervé Jézéquel / ENSAPLV

This event marks the end of the training year for the first class of Banc d’essai(s), an incubator created in 2024 by ENSA Paris-la Villette.

From 4 to 6 p.m., the young architects/contractors in the class of 2025 will take part in three discussion sessions on professional practice, with their guests from the urban fabric: project owners, local authorities and architects.

At the end of these round tables, the evening continues over a convivial drink with the 2025 incubatees, educational managers, speakers and Banc d’essai(s) partners.

Applications to join the Banc d’essai(s) class of 2026 are still open (deadline: November 16, 2025), this informal get-together offers interested parties the chance to find out more about this program of support and assistance for business start-ups.

Free event with registration

Find out more about the Banc d’essai(s) incubator

Round table #1

OBSTACLES AND CHALLENGES IN REHABILITATING OLD BUILDINGS / THE VIEWS OF ARCHITECTS AND PROJECT OWNERS

How can existing heritage, whether ordinary or exceptional, be adapted to new requirements and current challenges: maintaining architectural quality, environmental issues, compliance with regulations (thermal, personal safety, accessibility, etc.), economic constraints and changes in usage? This round table will examine the added value of the architect in the face of these challenges, and the expectations of the client.

Banc d’essai(s) promotion 2025 :

  • Florent Guiziou and Jeanne Le Pors [Atelier Kraken]
  • Camille Kikudji-Abbas [Imara architecture & patrimoine]

Guests:

  • Luca de Franceschi, Director of Architecture and Sustainable Development [I3F] (to be confirmed)
  • Christian Mourougane, President [OPPIC, Operator of Cultural Heritage and Real Estate Projects].

Discussion moderated by Thomas EleftériouChairman of the ENSAPLV Board of Directors
  

Round table #2

PLURAL ROOTS AND PRACTICES

Anchoring does not necessarily mean putting down roots in a single place, but also weaving links between multiple, complementary contexts. Through their approaches, these architectural firms explore contemporary forms of anchoring: participation in local ecosystems, transmission of knowledge, structuring of sectors, applied research and cooperative dynamics. How do these projects develop over time? What links are forged between professional practices, territories and the people who live there? This round-table discussion will explore the ways and means of establishing a multi-territorial base, combining experiences, methods and commitments.

Banc d’essai(s) promotion 2025 :

  • Pierre-Julien Lee [FannyJohn Architectes]
  • Kassim Mohamed [Fondasyo]

Guests:

  • Nadia Moussa, architect [Nadia Moussa architectes et associés]
  • Françoise N’Thépélecturer and architect [Françoise N’Thépé Architecture et Design].

Discussion moderated by Minna Nordströmlecturer at ENSAPLV and educational manager of the Banc d’essai(s) incubator
  

Round table #3

PROJECT BEFORE PROJECT / WORKING ON THE PROJECT OWNER’S SIDE

While project management remains the most popular career path for young architects, other career paths are emerging in project management and assistance. From their role as advisors to or within local authorities, to the formulation of public commissions and the support of projects with social and political values, how do architects shape projects before they are implemented? This round-table discussion offers an opportunity for dialogue between architectural firms incubated as AMO consultants and representatives of public contracting authorities.

Banc d’essai(s) promotion 2025 :

  • Léa Kauffeisen [Kau Office]
  • Louis Robert and Johanna Musch [Umarell]

Guests:

  • Khader Berrekla, architect and deputy general manager [City of Goussainville].
  • Baptiste Bousquet, project manager, transformation of public space [Conseil départemental de la Seine-Saint-Denis].

Discussion moderated by Anne D’Orazio, Director of ENSAPLV

Event