Studio
Manuelle Gautrand Architecture is an architectural practice based in Paris and Avignon (France). It was founded by Manuelle Gautrand and her partner, Marc Blaising, in 1991.
In her eponymous studio, Manuelle Gautrand and her team constantly question our new lifestyles and the territory in which the project is located. A multitude of programmes are studied, large and small, ranging from public and cultural projects to hotel, office and housing projects, with a growing proportion of conversion and restructuring projects.
Each project is designed to serve the city and its citizens, with an innovative and sensitive approach. Far from international and standardised architecture, and after a period of scientific analysis, each project is eminently contextual and functional, but also imbued with beauty and poetry. Far from simplistic duplication of labels, the team seeks the most relevant environmental solution, drawing heavily on the local and cultural qualities of the site, its history, geography and topography. Around this environmental ambition, the team develops an approach to materials that is as scientific as it is sensorial, mostly sourced from local resources and highlighting the expertise and craftsmanship of the region.
A successful, meaningful and generous architecture brings value, and to be “successful”, it must also tell a story, take you on a journey. Manuelle Gautrand and her team are passionate about generating a desire for architecture in the minds of their clients and inspiring them to travel through their projects: ‘We are “storytellers”, and this part of our job is perhaps one of the most poetic.’
The narrative of a project and the symbolism it conveys, as well as the description of its performance, are fundamental to the development of meaningful, inclusive and ethical architecture.
Monographic & Group architecture exhibitions (extract)
Albania - Bread & Heath Festival Tirana, 2025
Italy - Venice International Architecture Biennale, 2023
France - Site Le Corbusier - Firminy, monographic exhibition, 2021
France - Pavillon de l'Arsenal - Paris, 2018
France - Galerie Marquart - Paris, solo exhibition, 2011
France - Maison de l'Architecture et de la Ville - Lille, 2010
France - Centre Pompidou - Metz, 2010
Sweden - Arkitektur Museet - Stockholm, 2009
Israel - ZeZeZe Galerie - Tel-Aviv, solo exhibition, 2009
France - Several documentaries broadcast on Arte Chanel, 2008
Italy - Venice International Architecture Biennale, 2008
Switzerland - Swiss Architecture Museum - Basel, 2008
France - France La Galerie d'Architecture - Paris, solo exhibit, 2004
Italy - Venice International Architecture Biennale, 2004
France - Archilab - Orleans, 2002
Italy - Venice International Architecture Biennal, 2002
France - Permanent coll. of the Centre Pompidou- Paris, 2000
France - Permanent coll. of the Cite de l'Architecture - Paris, 2000
