Wood in Construction

Conference – Design, Prefabricate, Assemble: The Future of Construction?

Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Maison de l’architecture de Normandie, le Forum – Rouen –

. Housing project featuring facades with local wood-frame structures – Participants: AAGROUP, Bomatec
. Large-scale renovation featuring cladding facades – Participant: Façadebois, Floret-Scheide Architecture

Wood is now emerging as a key player in the construction sector’s ecological transition. To explore its uses and prospects, Fibois Normandie, in partnership with the Regional Council of the Order of Architects of Normandy, the Maison de l’Architecture de Normandie – Le Forum, the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Normandie, and with the support of the Rouen Normandy Metropolis, is organizing a series of three conferences in Rouen this fall.

This initiative aims to shed new light on the use of wood in construction. Through case studies and presentations of specific projects, local professionals will share their expertise and discuss the major challenges facing the industry.

Learn more and register HERE

Image © Fibois

Application deadline: November 29, 2026

Call for Applications – La Fruitière 2027

Do you want to be an entrepreneur? Do you want to break new ground in the fields of architecture, landscape, urban planning, the environment, interior architecture and design? Join La Fruitière! Applications are open to anyone with an innovative business idea in the field of architecture, and who would like support in building a solid foundation.

La Fruitière is a one-of-a-kind incubator that supports each entrepreneur in developing their business in an efficient and sustainable manner. This program helps participants move from the idea stage to initial implementation and the first “market” test or “POC” (Proof of Concept). Selected projects will benefit from specialized training, a network of professional partners, and individualized support.

For more information, click here

To apply now, click here

 

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International Evening

Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., main hall –

Come and discover the world through the experiences of our students returning from Erasmus mobility!

. Booths from each country run by students
. World music and a festive atmosphere
. Videos and posters showcasing the host universities
. Culinary and cultural experiences
. Drawing contest: Draw your Erasmus and win a prize

An evening of exchanges, discoveries and inspiration to prepare your future departure!

 

The DPEA Rebond post-master's program is now available!

The new DPEA post-master’s program , “Rebound—Reuse & Best Practices in the Circular Economy,” has just kicked off at theENSA Normandie.

Following the lecture by Cesare Peeren, co-founder of Superuse Studios, which kicked off this new course on the topic “How to Build with What Already Exists?”, the students are currently on a study trip.

From Tourcoing to Brussels, via Rotterdam, this week they are discovering projects and organizations committed to reuse and the circular economy: Cynéo, Rotor DC, Recypark, Superuse Studios, BlueCity, the Rotterdam Biennale…

An initial immersion to observe, experiment, and build upon what already exists.

Photo: First visit to a showroom featuring reused materials, in front of a wall of carpets, with architect Marie Blanckaert in the center © All rights reserved

 

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by the La Soda agency

Conference Cancellation – “Transforming the Ordinary: What Future(s) for Large Housing Complexes?”

Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Jean Duminy Auditorium –

Through the winning project of the international “Neighborhoods of Tomorrow” competition, developed in La Grâce de Dieu in Caen, the La Soda firm will explore several major challenges for the future of public housing neighborhoods resulting from the Priority Urban Development Zones (ZUP) policy: resident engagement; the revitalization of diverse practices and the common good; the transformation and adaptability of buildings and open spaces in the face of current and future climate challenges; consideration for living organisms and ecological continuity; and resource reuse and conservation.

The conference will broaden the discussion on ways to transform the neighborhoods and public housing complexes of the “Trente Glorieuses,” viewing the existing built environment not as a constraint but as a resource upon which to build when envisioning their future. It will thus explore the conditions for a transformation that is attentive not only to residents, uses, and practices, but also to the everyday heritage—both built and unbuilt—that constitutes the memory and identity of these neighborhoods.

S9-Transform Teaching Team: Laurent Protois, Adrien Henocq, Bruno Proth, Laurent Sfar

Image © xxx

The freshman class explores Antwerp

As part of the architectural analysis course, and in collaboration with the faculty teams teaching project design and architectural representation, the S1 class went on a field trip from September 28 to October 1, 2026. This year, the introduction to architecture once again took the form of exploring a major European port city: Antwerp. Exploring the banks of the Scheldt, the streets, and the quays allowed students to get a sense of the area and to consider how the space has changed over time, as well as the city’s various uses. Drawing exercises and notes were recorded in the indispensable travel journals, which serve as the basis for their initial analyses.

Image © Benjamin Russis

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By registration

Career Day – My Career Plan

Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Grand Hall –

TheENSA Normandie is organizing Career Day, a key event dedicated to helping you enter the workforce. An architect with Bâtiments de France, a professor and researcher, a construction foreman, and a carpenter: four graduates with diverse career paths will share their experiences and help you discover the many ways to pursue a career in architecture.

Third-year undergraduates and first-year graduate students, this event is designed just for you! It’s the perfect opportunity to meet directly with organizations looking for interns, talk with professionals, and ask your questions. Don’t forget to bring your resume or portfolio!

The day will conclude with a social gathering where you can continue your discussions in a more informal setting with the speakers, companies, and your classmates.

Registration required HERE

Detailed program below

Programme

2:00–2:15 p.m.: Welcome & Opening Remarks

We'll explain how the afternoon will unfold and introduce you to the people you'll be meeting.

2:15–3:25 p.m.: They studied architecture—and more…

Four graduates share their stories, their current careers, and what their days are really like. These are paths that go off the beaten track, designed to inspire you and spark your interest.

3:25–3:35 p.m.: Break

Time to take a breather and head to your workshops.

3:35–4:15 p.m.: Rotating career workshops

Choose 2 workshops from the 4 offered to engage in small-group discussions with the presenters: ask all your questions—no holds barred.

4:15–5:15 p.m.: Quick business meetings

You’ll have 5 minutes with each company to introduce yourself, discuss internship opportunities, and ask your initial questions. Less stressful than an interview, more effective than a blind application: now’s the time to land your end-of-year internship. Don’t forget to bring your portfolio or resume!

5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. – Social gathering

We'll continue the discussions over drinks with the speakers, companies, and your classmates.

Speakers & Workshop Topics

  1. France Poulain, ABF // Workshop Topic: “From the Agency to the Civil Service: A Different Approach to Projects”
  2. Carole Lemans, Faculty Member and Researcher // Workshop Topic: “From Thesis to Dissertation: When a Question Becomes a Career”
  3. Arnaud Brun, Site Manager // Workshop Topic: “Leading a Team, Managing the Unexpected: Practical Skills for Everyday Work” — echoes
  4. Yohan Onfroy, carpenter // Workshop topic: “The Craft and the Material: What Craftsmanship Teaches the Architect”

Companies participating in the speed networking sessions:

  • SCENARIO OUTLINE
  • Caroline THIBAULT, Architect
  • Available space
  • Sg Architecture
  • ATELIER LIGNES / ARC EN TERRE / URBAN COCOTTES
  • Workshop Workbench 50
  • ACAU
  • Binome Workshop

Focusing on the Details to Build Differently

Off-Site Roundtable – “Simplify”

Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Quartier Libre –

The round tables entitled " Architectural Practices & Current Issues " explore contemporary issues in the profession that emerge from the HMONP training program atENSA Normandie.

For the 2026 session, the roundtable discussion will focus on the topic: “Simplify: Return to the Details to Build Differently.”

Faced with an increasingly complex regulatory, technical, and organizational framework, some architects seek to “simplify” the act of designing and building. They structure the phases of their projects through a mastery of detail that brings them into close contact with materials, craftsmen, and the construction site. To realize their constructive, ethical, and aesthetic ambitions, what tools, knowledge, and processes do they develop in their practice?

– Speakers: Emilie Gervier, licensed in 2026; Vincent Dubillot, partner at ACAU Architectes, professional mentor; and Cécile Fort, co-manager of the tmf studio, director of studies
– Keynote speaker: Cyril Pressacco, founder of the Barrault-Pressacco firm, professor and researcher at theENSA Normandie.
– Moderators: Isabelle Genyk & Margotte Lamouroux

We invite ADEs working on their HMONP and the agencies that host them, to discuss the issues they may encounter in their day-to-day practices.

These round tables are also open to allENSA Normandie studentsENSA Normandie wish to learn about the HMONP program and understand the challenges facing architects today.

Meeting followed by a convivial drink.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED by clicking HERE

Image ©Barrault – Pressacco

At the Maison de l'architecture - Le Forum

Off-Campus Lecture – “Renovation and Additions as Alternatives to Demolition”

Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Maison de l’Architecture

. Housing Renovation Using Wood Wool Exterior Wall Insulation and Reused Wood – Presenter: CBA Architecture

. Renovation of an ITE gym using straw – Speaker: En ACT Architecture

. Wooden addition – Contributors: Acube, Echos

Wood is now emerging as a key player in the construction sector’s ecological transition. To explore its uses and prospects, Fibois Normandie, in partnership with the Regional Council of the Order of Architects of Normandy, the Maison de l’Architecture de Normandie – Le Forum, the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Normandie, and with the support of the Rouen Normandy Metropolis, is organizing a series of three conferences in Rouen this fall.

This initiative aims to shed new light on the use of wood in construction. Through case studies and presentations of specific projects, local professionals will share their expertise and discuss the major challenges facing the industry.

Learn more and register HERE

Image © Fibois

Raising Awareness About Gender-Based and Sexual Violence

At theENSA Normandie, preventing gender-based and sexual violence is one of the initiatives we carry out for our student community. On September 17, first-year students will participate in an awareness-raising session led by the Résonantes association, focusing on preventing, identifying, and combating gender-based and sexual violence. An information booth will also be set up during the lunch break to allow everyone to learn more and share their thoughts. This initiative is part of the School’s commitment to fostering a respectful, equitable, and inclusive academic environment for all.

Find all the information and useful resources on the page dedicated to gender-based and sexual violence on the School’s website.

Image: © Métropole Rouen Normandie 

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