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.
04 publication
graou views knowledge dissemination as an essential part of its research work. This effort goes beyond merely presenting results; it follows a critical and educational approach, aiming to stimulate debate and encourage the appropriation of produced knowledge.
Trois principaux axes structurent les actions de diffusion de l’association :
Traveling exhibitions
graou designs ready-to-display exhibitions that showcase its research in publicly accessible venues such as cultural centers, schools, and libraries. These exhibitions highlight drawings, cartographies, and analytical studies while incorporating an educational component to engage a broader audience.
Conferences and debates
The association organizes talks and experience-sharing sessions to present its methodologies and findings. These events, often held in academic or professional settings, foster interdisciplinary discussions on topics explored by graou, such as informal housing dynamics, vernacular architecture, and climate adaptation strategies.
Micro-publishing
graou operates a micro-publishing studio, equipped with a risograph duplicator, to produce limited-edition publications such as zines, research notebooks, posters, and postcards. These graphically engaging and accessible formats help disseminate insights from residencies and workshops, serving as tangible tools for sharing research with diverse audiences.
Through these dissemination strategies, drawing-based research becomes visible and contributes to collective reflection on architectural and territorial issues. By promoting a graphic, participatory, and critical approach, graou engages in dialogue with diverse audiences while reinforcing the role of drawing as a tool for mediation and knowledge transmission.
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
nom
de l’association :
siège de l’association :
bureau :
numéro SIRET :
téléphone :
hébergeur du site internet :
contact :
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.