Imagine a world where back gardens flourish high above the ground, amidst the concrete jungle of post-apocalyptic buildings. This is the captivating vision of French architect Renée Gailhoustet, whose work challenges conventional norms and inspires a new way of living.
When Gailhoustet passed away in 2023, the residents of Le Liégat, a social housing project she completed in 1982, paid tribute with a heartfelt sign: "Merci Renée." This gesture speaks volumes about the unique connection between Gailhoustet and the people she designed for.
Unlike many architects who create impersonal spaces, Gailhoustet lived in her own Liégat duplex for over 40 years. Her living room window offered a view of nature's abundance - a large cherry tree and a lush garden. This is the essence of her architectural philosophy: creating "un jardin derrière" - a back garden in the sky.
Over time, nature has embraced Gailhoustet's designs, softening the harsh concrete with greenery. This organic transformation, almost like a natural takeover, adds a unique charm to her work and has gained popularity on social media. But here's where it gets controversial: while some see it as a beautiful fusion of nature and architecture, others might argue it's a sign of neglect or a lack of maintenance.
Gailhoustet's approach to architecture was ahead of its time. She believed in providing access to green spaces, anticipating the modern focus on eco-friendly design to combat rising temperatures. In 2003, France witnessed a devastating heatwave that claimed over 15,000 lives. Gailhoustet's vision of natural shade and cooling through planting seems more relevant than ever.
While often labeled as an "eco-brutalist," Gailhoustet's work defies easy categorization. She dedicated her career to social housing and urban planning in the less glamorous, less touristy suburbs of Paris. Her housing megastructures were complex, almost like mini-cities, offering communal facilities and adaptable living spaces.
In contrast to Le Corbusier's famous quote about homes being "machines for living in," Gailhoustet argued that architecture should provide a template for residents to shape their own spaces, fostering a sense of individuality and enrichment. She believed in creating possibilities for choice, not imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.
Architect and academic Nichola Barrington-Leach, who is curating an exhibition on Gailhoustet's work, describes her appeal: "Her work invites us to reimagine our relationship with nature, the city, and each other. Homes are not machines, but gentle, human spaces that reflect our individuality."
Gailhoustet's career, which saw the construction of over 2,000 social homes, offered a refreshing alternative to the standardized, industrialized housing developments of the postwar era. She worked freely and experimentally, commissioned by left-wing municipalities, and yet managed to stay within budget constraints.
Barrington-Leach's upcoming book and exhibition, "A Thousand and One Ways of Living," aim to explore Gailhoustet's unique approach. The exhibition features a life-size installation of a Le Liégat apartment, allowing visitors to experience her spaces firsthand.
Gailhoustet's journey began in Oran, Algeria, where she grew up in the European quarter. She moved to Paris to study philosophy at the Sorbonne and later found her calling in architecture. Her political convictions and ambition to build, not just theorize, drove her work.
Between 1963 and 1985, Gailhoustet transformed Ivry-sur-Seine, a suburb southeast of Paris, while also working on projects in other locales. La Maladrerie, in Aubervilliers to the north, is her largest project, comprising 850 dwellings and animated by a range of civic spaces.
However, by the 1990s, the political climate shifted, and large-scale housing projects faced increasing opposition. Gailhoustet's work began to dry up, and she eventually closed her practice in 1999.
Despite this, Gailhoustet's pioneering contribution to architecture is now being recognized. In 2022, she was awarded the Royal Academy architecture prize, with jury chair Farshid Moussavi praising her work as "reaching far beyond what is produced as social or affordable housing today."
What sets Gailhoustet apart is her collaborative design process. She engaged with residents, discussing concepts like open-plan living and garden terraces through physical models. While some residents initially struggled with the unconventional geometries, her homes have become beloved and sought-after.
Most of Gailhoustet's housing projects remain council-owned, and resident groups continue to fight for their preservation. Barrington-Leach sums up Gailhoustet's legacy: "She proved we can explore alternative ways of living and create adaptable, reusable frameworks for our cities. Her architecture and legacy are living archives, evolving with each resident and season."
"Renée Gailhoustet: A Thousand and One Ways of Living" is on display at the Architectural Association in London until March 21st.
What do you think of Gailhoustet's vision? Do you believe architecture should adapt to the needs and preferences of its inhabitants, or should it impose a certain style or functionality? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
