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.
03 workshop
graou places workshops at the core of its approach, considering drawing not only as an analytical tool but also as a learning method. These workshops offer a hands-on exploration of drawing’s potential—both as a means of precise observation and as a medium for collective production.
Within graou’s framework, the workshop extends beyond graphic practice to become a shared space for reflection on architectural and territorial dynamics.
Introduction to architectural drawing
Multi-day workshops designed for beginners, providing an introduction to drawing as a tool for spatial analysis and understanding architectural relationships.
Architectural survey and analysis
Intensive sessions that apply graou’s methods, emphasizing on-site observation and precise graphic representation of architectural and territorial elements.
Collective mapping
Collaborative workshops—often conducted with local residents or students—that create shared representations of a place. Using existing maps or surveys, participants cross perspectives to produce sensitive and contextually rich cartographies.
Long-term immersion
Immersive workshops spanning one to two weeks, structured as on-site residencies. These programs integrate observation, survey, re-drawing, and analysis in an iterative process, allowing for an in-depth understanding of a given territory.
These workshops combine sensitive observation with rigorous graphic production, fostering the emergence of shared knowledge. Whether by revealing spatial qualities, analyzing usage dynamics, or developing collective representations, they actively engage various territorial stakeholders.
graou is always looking for new partnerships. If you are interested in organizing a workshop, feel free to contact us here.
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.