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Twenty French schools of architecture have joined forces to create a unique architectural exhibition: Archies-Folies.

This remarkable event, sponsored by the renowned Franco-Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, transforms Parc de la Villette in Paris into an open-air laboratory. Each school, in collaboration with a sports federation, has designed and built a full-scale pavilion—ephemeral yet potentially permanent—installed on the Triangle Lawn and the South Circle. From June 14 to July 7, 2024, these structures will be open to the public, offering spaces for exploration and engagement. After a summer break, they will be accessible again from August 28 to September 3.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and several partners, this project is a highlight of the Cultural Olympiad, blending architectural creativity and sporting passion in an exceptional setting.

THE CLIMBING PAVILION

Since March 2023, Ensa Paris-Est has been working with the French Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports (FFME) on the construction of a climbing pavilion to be installed in Parc de la Villette in Paris. Serge Ferrari Group is supporting the construction of the pavilion through the donation of a technical membrane. Entitled Ascension, this temporary pavilion built by students will be dedicated to information initiatives and climbing demonstrations organized by the FFME for the general public.

For the architecture students, supervised by Margaux Gillet and Jean-Aimé Shu—architects, engineers, and educators—the pavilion project developed as part of Archi-Folies represents an opportunity to engage with full-scale constructive experimentation, using innovative materials or reused elements such as technical fabrics.

Like any project, the climbing pavilion was structured around several phases of reflection and implementation.

EXPLORATION PHASE

In spring 2022, twenty master’s students from Ensa Paris-Est, divided into small groups, devoted one month to exploring different symbolic spatial concepts related to climbing. Each proposal was required to include a climbable surface, a shading structure, an exhibition space, and storage areas. This phase marked the use of wood both for structural elements and cladding components.

The students then further developed a project featuring a primary timber frame structure meeting the following specifications: a 5-meter-high climbing wall (composed of 4.5 meters of wall and a 0.5-meter safety mat at the base), a width of approximately 3.75 to 5 meters, a structure capable of supporting a shading pergola to protect athletes and the public in summer, a total surface area between 15 and 30 m², and the ability to integrate various removable or fixed elements such as furniture, storage, counters, signage, exhibitions, and displays for optimal use by the FFME.

At the end of this phase, the pavilion Ascension was selected as the winning project by a professional jury composed of architects, engineers, and an FFME representative.

DEVELOPMENT PHASE

In July 2023, the pavilion model was presented during an exhibition at the Palais des Études of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, organized by the Ministry of Culture. The climbing pavilion designed by the Paris-Est students consists of two timber-structure elements: a wall reaching 11 meters in height and a pergola. It will offer the federation an opportunity to promote climbing, engage with the general public, and host demonstrations.

PROTOTYPING PHASE

During this phase, the students carefully examined all aspects of the pavilion, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the selected materials and construction techniques. Their work focused on an in-depth study of four elements: steel, pergola, wall, and floor-furniture. The execution drawings were discussed with partner companies and sponsors to ensure project accuracy and prepare for workshop prefabrication.

PREFABRICATION PHASE

After finalizing the execution drawings, the students began prefabricating all pavilion elements in the workshops of Ensa Paris-Est, so that each structure could be transported and assembled on the final site in May 2024. This phase included the delivery of raw materials provided by sponsors, notably timber, hardware, and the fabric for the pergola. A trial assembly was planned to verify the construction process and anticipate any necessary adjustments before transport and on-site installation at La Villette.

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

Since March 2023:
Seyma Aktas, Laia Altayeb, Nicolas Beffre, Pierre Bomey, Matthieu Breon, Lou Bruni, Stephen Collot, Margot Dubrana, Maxime Dupont, Jehanne Fontaine-Lebarq, Honoré Getas, Chantal Hung, Oumnia Itro, Raphaël Kuznicki, Gabrielle Lanotte, Astrid Lavril, Tyfenn Maxime, Dimitri Mignery, Nicolas Nugue, Isaac Parain, Romain Sevestre, Arthur Sirbu, Fiona Vicente.

Since March 2024:
Anna Apolinario, Diana Barzola Da Costa, Ugo Beaudonnat, Gabrielle Chiesa, Cloé Chretiennot, Calliste Domont, Amina Draï, Adrien Gaillard, Léo-Paul Galland, Floriane Geais, Tanguy Grall, Loïc-Gabriel Hardy, Antoine Malgouyres, Mélodie Mercier, Clément Moussay, Emilie Pobel, Lucie Sainrat, Tristan Sengsavanh, Mayra Soto Trujillo, Claire Templon, Julie Tombois, Johann Velay, Rachel Zarka.

SUPERVISING TEACHERS

Margaux Gillet, Jean-Aimé Shu, Paul Lecomte

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

Ensa Paris-Est, for the French Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports (FFME)
Membrane: Soltis 92, white 92-2044
Photos: © Ensa Paris-Est