About Our Architecture
Our mission is to promote, support, and elevate architectural culture in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence by fostering reflection, collaboration, and coordination among all stakeholders involved in shaping our built environment.
We believe architecture is not merely the act of constructing buildings — it is a cultural expression, a social responsibility, and a driver of sustainable territorial development. Through dialogue, education, and public engagement, we work to create favorable conditions for thoughtful architectural practice and appreciation.
Our mission is built on three fundamental pillars:
Promoting Architectural Quality
Encouraging high standards in design, sustainability, heritage preservation, and innovation.Facilitating Dialogue and Coordination
Creating bridges between architects, local authorities, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and the general public.Raising Public Awareness
Making architecture accessible and understandable to citizens so they can actively engage with their living environment.
Architecture shapes how we live, work, and connect. Our role is to ensure that this shaping force is guided by reflection, creativity, and collective responsibility.
Our Vision
We envision a territory where architecture is recognized as a vital cultural, environmental, and social asset.
In our vision:
Every community in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence values high-quality design.
Citizens understand and participate in conversations about their built environment.
Architects and stakeholders collaborate openly and constructively.
Sustainable development principles guide urban and rural planning.
Cultural initiatives integrate architecture as a core component of territorial identity.
We strive to build a future where architecture contributes meaningfully to environmental resilience, cultural richness, and social cohesion.
Our long-term vision is to position Alpes-de-Haute-Provence as a territory where architectural excellence and innovation are not exceptional — but expected.
Our Values
Our organization operates according to a clear set of core values that guide all our activities and decisions.
1. Cultural Responsibility
Architecture is culture. We defend its role as an artistic and intellectual discipline that deserves reflection, research, and dissemination.
2. Collaboration
We believe progress happens through coordination and dialogue. We unite professionals, institutions, and citizens around shared goals.
3. Accessibility
Architectural knowledge should not be reserved for experts. We make architectural discourse understandable and open to the public.
4. Sustainability
We promote environmentally responsible architecture and encourage practices that respect landscapes, heritage, and future generations.
5. Integrity
As a nonprofit association, transparency, accountability, and ethical governance are central to our operations.
What We Do
Our activities are designed to foster architectural culture and create meaningful engagement across the territory.
Public Events and Exhibitions
We organize exhibitions, conferences, debates, and cultural events that highlight architectural themes. These initiatives create spaces for reflection and exchange among professionals and the public.
Educational Programs
We develop workshops, lectures, and partnerships with schools and universities to introduce younger generations to architectural thinking and spatial awareness.
Professional Networking and Coordination
We facilitate meetings and collaborative platforms between architects, urban planners, elected officials, and institutional partners. By encouraging dialogue, we contribute to more coherent and thoughtful development strategies.
Cultural Programming
As an organization operating within the creative and artistic domain, we manage and support cultural programming where architecture intersects with art, performance, and territorial identity.
Advocacy and Reflection
We advocate for architectural quality in public and private projects within Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Through roundtables and expert discussions, we address contemporary challenges such as climate adaptation, rural revitalization, heritage conservation, and sustainable urban planning.
Who We Serve
Our association serves multiple audiences across the territory:
Architects and design professionals seeking dialogue and professional exchange.
Local governments and institutions aiming to enhance territorial planning and development.
Students and educators interested in architectural education and awareness.
Citizens and community members who want to better understand and engage with their built environment.
Cultural actors integrating architecture into broader artistic programming.
By connecting these groups, we create a dynamic ecosystem centered on architectural culture.
Our Impact
For over three decades, ASS ARCHITECTURE ALPES HAUTE PROVENCE has played a catalytic role in strengthening architectural awareness across the region.
Our impact can be seen through:
Increased public engagement in architectural events.
Stronger collaboration between professionals and institutions.
Greater visibility for architectural culture within local communities.
Enhanced dialogue around sustainable and context-sensitive development.
Preservation and appreciation of local heritage and landscapes.
We measure our success not only by attendance numbers, but by the depth of reflection and collaboration we generate.
Governance and Transparency
As a declared nonprofit association (RNA W044003065), we operate under French association law with a structured governance framework.
Our nonprofit identifiers include:
SIREN: 393 117 080
SIRET (Head Office): 393 117 080 00027
VAT Number: FR32393117080
RNA Registration Date: 15/11/1988
We are committed to transparent governance, responsible financial management, and clear communication about our activities. Our annual reporting and administrative compliance reflect our dedication to accountability and public trust.
Why Architecture Matters in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a territory defined by its landscapes, rural villages, evolving urban centers, and historical heritage. Architectural choices here carry significant cultural and environmental weight.
Thoughtful design can:
Preserve the integrity of rural and mountain landscapes.
Revitalize town centers.
Improve energy performance and sustainability.
Strengthen local identity.
Enhance quality of life for residents.
Our association exists to ensure these considerations are always at the forefront of development conversations.
Our Commitment to the Future
Looking ahead, we aim to:
Expand educational outreach programs.
Strengthen partnerships with regional and national institutions.
Increase public participation in architectural dialogue.
Support innovation in sustainable building practices.
Develop new cultural programming that bridges architecture and other art forms.
We remain dedicated to nurturing a culture where architecture is valued not just as infrastructure, but as a shared human experience.
Our Story