Lacaton & Vassal
Founded: 1987
Partners: Anne Lacaton, Jean-Philippe Vassal
Awards: Pritzker Prize (2021)
Projects: Grand Parc Bordeaux
ESB Headquarters, Dublin, Ireland (2022)
Nantes School of Architecture, Nantes, France (2003 – 2008)
Anne Lacaton, a prominent figure in modern architecture, has significantly influenced contemporary architectural design through her innovative and sustainable approaches. Born in France, Lacaton, alongside her partner Jean-Philippe Vassal, co-founded the architecture firm Lacaton & Vassal in 1987. This firm quickly became renowned for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility in architectural design.
Lacaton’s architectural philosophy centers around the principle of “never demolish, never remove or replace, always add, transform, and reuse.” This approach is evident in her numerous projects, which often involve the transformation of existing structures rather than creating new buildings from scratch. By doing so, Lacaton demonstrates a deep respect for existing environments and communities, emphasizing the value of adaptability and resourcefulness in architecture.
One of the most notable projects by Lacaton & Vassal is the transformation of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, where they skillfully converted an old building into a dynamic and flexible contemporary art space. Another significant project is the renovation of social housing units in Bordeaux, where the firm ingeniously added extensions to existing apartments, greatly improving living conditions without displacing residents.
Lacaton’s work has been widely recognized and celebrated in the architectural community. She has received numerous awards for her innovative and humane approach to design, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Through her work, Anne Lacaton continues to challenge conventional architectural practices, advocating for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially and environmentally responsible.