The open architecture research group is a research association focused on drawing. It explores the potential of freehand and on-site drawing as a means of producing scientific and technical knowledge.
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about
open architecture
research
workshop
publication
team
contact
support/membership
32bis rue du Lieutenant Becker
97300 Cayenne, Guyane, France
contact
support/membership
32bis rue du Lieutenant Becker
97300 Cayenne, Guyane, France
support/membership
32bis rue du Lieutenant Becker
97300 Cayenne, Guyane, France
This approach, rooted in a daily and immersive practice, highlights drawing as a medium capable of revealing spatial, social, and ecological dimensions that are often difficult to grasp through other means. It proposes a methodology for understanding and representing the systems and adaptations developed in response to contemporary socio-environmental challenges.
Drawing is used as both an analytical and narrative tool to explore the issues of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable architectural practice.
Since its creation in 2020, graou has conducted research through drawing in numerous international metropolises, including Mumbai, Ouagadougou, Istanbul, Ho Chi Minh City, and Rio de Janeiro. These interventions—carried out in diverse contexts—reflect a commitment to documenting and questioning evolving territories while promoting vernacular and informal architectural practices.
graou also conducts studies on coastal habitability in France, focusing particularly on the regions of Occitanie and French Guiana, where climate and environmental challenges are especially pronounced.
The association's activities are structured around three main areas: research, workshop, and publication.
Through these initiatives, graou aims to promote the concept of open architecture by analyzing, representing, and disseminating its spatial dimensions.
01 open architecture
The concept of open architecture is inspired by open data. It is an approach to architecture—whether practiced with or without architects—that embraces collaborative, adaptive, and accessible methods open to all.
Open architecture is characterized by the use of available materials—often repurposed—and local expertise that align with principles of frugality and resilience. These often informal practices are rooted in a solidarity-based economy, revealing a form of collective intelligence embedded in the history and daily life of territories. They challenge conventional notions of reversibility, adaptability, and temporality, offering a reservoir of precedents that inspire responses to contemporary challenges.
Much like open data, open architecture is based on the idea that resources—whether materials, knowledge, or land—should be accessible to everyone and used collectively. It promotes a logic of sharing, where every construction or development becomes a reusable and adaptable element. Just as open data democratizes information to foster collaboration and innovation, open architecture envisions spaces designed and enriched through the active participation of users. This dynamic emphasizes inclusive practices, encouraging both ownership and adaptability within inhabited territories.
Open architecture emerges as a deeply engaged spatial and social approach. It offers an alternative to dominant paradigms, highlighting collective intelligence and local solutions to rethink the way we inhabit the Earth.
permanent team
Zoé Bourret, HMONP architect in Paris,
President of GRAOU,
zb(at)graou.archi
Achille Pelletier, architect/urban planner in Paris,
Treasurer of GRAOU,
ap(at)graou.archi
Benoit d’Almeida, PhD in architecture in Lyon,
bda(at)graou.archi
Lucie Perrier, HMONP architect in Cayenne,
lp(at)graou.archi
Cyril Costes, architect/illustrator in Cayenne,
cc(at)graou.archi
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de l’association :
siège de l’association :
bureau :
numéro SIRET :
téléphone :
hébergeur du site internet :
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directrice de publication :
siège de l’association :
bureau :
numéro SIRET :
téléphone :
hébergeur du site internet :
contact :
directrice de publication :
We are open to all forms of collaboration, whether it’s developing new research, organizing workshops, or disseminating our work. Feel free to contact us to discuss potential partnership opportunities.
Groupe de Recherche en Architecture OUvert.e
15 rue Nicolas Boileau 66000 Perpignan
32bis rue du Lieutenant Becker 97300 Cayenne
88978703200024
+33 (0)6 52 20 92 65
ovh.com
bonjour (at) graou.archi
Zoé Bourret
Credit drawings/videos :
First page : Lucas Avice, Adèle Gissinger, Mattéo Hugedé, Maugueret Mary, Truc-Delprat Laurie, Jobard-Houdusse Nolwenn, Achille Pelletier, Margot Stuckelberger, Lucie Perrier, Cyril Costes, Thomas Brun et Florent Quintard, Zoé Bourret, Raphaël André.
Video : Garance Paillasson.
L’ensemble des productions du GRAOU est sous licence amicale. N’hésitez pas à nous écrire pour utiliser nos documents.