Exhibition Materia Architectures

40 buildings in stone, earth, and plant fibres

from 02.10.2025 to 02.11.2025, SAU-MSI? hosts at Usquare the exhibition Materia, produced by the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, Les Grands Ateliers, amàco et les Compagnons du Devoir.

Earth, stone and fibres have conquered contemporary architecture. Thousands of projects, of great technical, ecological and aesthetic quality, are emerging across the five continents. The widespread use of these materials, which are low in energy demand and widely available on the planet, contribute significantly to reducing the exploitation of non-renewable resources and limits the energy needs of buildings.

A challenge for contemporary architecture: the use of materials drawn from the soil and the fields is one of the most promising ways to build tomorrow, while restoring meaning to the building trades. Local resource chains are being organised and developed, creating jobs that strengthen the economic activity of regions. Bio-based and geo-based materials are essential for designing post-carbon architecture and contribute to ecological and social transition.

The Materia exhibition, following on from Fibra Architectures (2019) and TerraFibra (2021), is dedicated to contemporary architecture in earth, stone, and plant fibres. It is accompanied by a publication of the same name. It highlights the aesthetic qualities, construction advantages, and environmental benefits of 40 eco-buildings selected as part of the Materia Award. Materia reflects the will to shed light on exemplary rehabilitation projects, underlining the complementarity of materials. It seeks recognition of these buildings both by professionals and the general public, highlighting the courage of project owners who chose these materials, the creativity of designers, and the craftsmanship of artisans and contractors.

This exhibition, organised by SAU, is produced by the Pavillon de l’Arsenal. In this context, many activities are also proposed by the Urban Development Corporation (SAU-MSI?), ULB, VUB, Natura Mater, BC Materials, Wonder Meï asbl and the residents of Usquare.

Practical information:
Exhibition from 2 October to 2 November 2025
Free entry: Thursday (17:00-21:00); Friday (14:00-18:00); Saturday (11:00-18:00); Sunday (11:00-18:00)
Closed between 16 and 19 October

Exhibition and publication, co-productions:
Producer of exhibitions and documentaries, publisher of books and digital content, and organiser of debates, the Pavillon de l’Arsenal is the centre for architecture and urbanism of Paris and the Paris metropolitan area.

Co-curators of the exhibition:

  • Dominique Gauzin-Müller, architect-researcher, Association Frugalité heureuse & créative
  • Yann Le Bihan, master stonemason, head of the Institut supérieur de recherche et de formation aux métiers de la pierre, Association Ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France
  • Louise Lemoine, architect, head of major events, coordinator of the Materia Award, Les Grands Ateliers
  • Zoé Tric, architect-researcher, head of knowledge dissemination, amàco