Valode & Pistre launches Archi Jeunes 2026: a competition dedicated to the transformation of buildings

Transforming existing buildings is a priority for contemporary architecture. Rather than systematically building new structures, the aim is to preserve and renovate existing buildings, adapting their uses and improving their performance, particularly energy efficiency.

In France, this trend is already underway: renovation and maintenance activity has exceeded new construction for several years and continues to grow, while new construction is declining. This reality calls for a specific architectural approach, based on a thorough understanding of existing buildings and on a creativity capable of revealing their potential.

Four iconic French sites to be transformed

It is in this spirit that this new edition of Archi Jeunes is themed around Transformation. Candidates will be invited to revitalize the meaning, function, and quality of four emblematic sites located in France, within the framework of a competition that promotes collaborative design, in teams of two to four architects—a method that has always been a catalyst for creativity for the firm. The four buildings will be specified at the time of the competition, after the applications have been approved.

Through this prize, Valode & Pistre aims to give a voice to graduating students and recent graduates, convinced that this new generation brings an innovative and responsible vision to architecture. True to its core values, the firm is thus pursuing an approach it has championed since its inception: leveraging existing structures rather than demolishing them, and making transformation a driver of sustainable creation.

New for 2026, the competition is now open to students from the following countries: 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, for a total of 30 countries. The competition language is French or English, and participation remains free, as before.

The projects will be selected by a jury composed of architects and other individuals chosen for their interest and expertise in relation to the issues raised. Their role will be to shortlist 12 nominated projects (3 for each of the 4 proposed sites), and then to award prizes to 8 winners (2 for each of the 4 proposed sites).

The jury will base its decision on the following selection criteria:

• The originality and creativity of the project presented
• The qualities and relevance of the project presented in light of the challenges of the transformation
• The qualities of the project presented in light of major environmental challenges
• The credibility of the project presented lies in its ability to become a reality.
• The quality and clarity of the documents presented (visual and written)

Organization

Registration is done online at: www.archijeunes.eu

Project submissions can also be made via: www.archijeunes.eu

Candidates must comply with the submission criteria as set out in the regulations available on the website.

Calendar

Online registration deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 on the website www.archijeunes.eu, via the "PARTICIPATE" tab

Registration confirmation: Thursday, April 2, 2026

The specifications will be sent out and the competition will begin: Friday, April 3, 2026

Project submission deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026

Information on the 12 selected teams: Friday, September 11, 2026

Jury meeting, oral presentations and awards ceremony: during the second half of September 2026

Price

Eight prizes will be awarded by the ARCHI JEUNES III jury, one for each of the 4 proposed sites:

First prize: a €5.000 grant to be shared among the team members.

Second prize: a grant of €3.000 to be shared among the team members.

The winning projects will be exhibited for two months at the Valode & Pistre agency and will be visible on the agency's website. They will also be presented to the press.