Renée Gailhoustet Residency

A residency exploring the work of pioneering architect and 2022 RA Architecture Prize Award Winner over a six-week residency in Paris.

Renée Gailhoustet was awarded the 2022 RA Architecture Prize in recognition of her career creating transformative social housing in the suburbs of Paris. Her designs are radically flexible – she did not like doors and found ingenious ways of creating planted terraces even at the top of tower-blocks. Her buildings make the case for exciting, generous architecture for all, and many of her apartments remain social housing, providing cheap rents and big spaces.

In celebration of Gailhoustet’s work, we are seeking applications from UK-based architects, designers and creative practitioners to conduct a six-week research residency in France. This opportunity, developed in collaboration with the British Council, is open to practicing professionals, not just recent graduates. We are looking for projects to raise awareness and understanding of the important contribution of Gailhoustet to architecture, culture and society; and to widen and deepen the understanding of her work internationally.

The residency will provide accommodation in Paris for a six-week residency and a grant of £3000 to cover a travel allowance within France and subsistence for the duration of the residency. In addition, the programme will provide mentoring, advice and contacts from Renée Gailhoustet scholars, partnering organisations, the British Council and the Royal Academy of Arts. More information can be found via the open-call document.

Nichola Barrington-Leach, founder and principle of architectural practice NVBL has been selected as the Renée Gailhoustet Resident.

Meet Renée Gailhoustet

"Renée Gailhoustet’s achievements reach far beyond what is produced as social or affordable housing anywhere today. Her work has a strong social commitment that brings together generosity, beauty, ecology, and inclusivity."

Farshid Moussavi RA, Chair of the Jury