Lacaton & Vassal Awarded Le Prix Charlotte Perriand 2027
The French architecture studio receives recognition for sustainable building transformation and social housing innovation.
1Prestigious Award Recognition
The Créateurs Design Association has selected Lacaton Vassal Architectes as the recipient of the 2027 Le Prix Charlotte Perriand. This award honors practitioners who significantly advance architecture and design. The studio, led by Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, will receive the distinction during a ceremony held at the Shangri-La Paris on January 16, 2027.
2Focus on Building Transformation
The studio is recognized for its commitment to improving living conditions while preserving architectural heritage and existing resources. By prioritizing the transformation of existing structures over demolition, the architects demonstrate a sustainable approach to urban development. This philosophy aligns with Charlotte Perriand’s historical focus on inhabitant well-being and the pursuit of modern comfort.
3History of Architectural Impact
Founded in 1989, the firm has completed numerous high-profile projects, including the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and the Nantes School of Architecture. Their work often involves adaptive reuse, such as converting a former shipbuilding workshop into the FRAC contemporary art gallery in Dunkirk, showcasing their ability to reimagine industrial spaces for public use.
4Social Housing Expertise
Lacaton Vassal is widely noted for its innovative social housing designs. A key example is the Cité du Grand Parc project in Bordeaux, completed with Frédéric Druot and Christophe Hutin. This specific transformation earned the European Union's Mies van der Rohe Award in 2019, highlighting the studio's success in upgrading residential living standards.
5Collaborative Renovation Projects
The firm frequently collaborates on large-scale urban interventions. Their renovation of the 1960s Tour Bois-le-Prêtre tower block in Paris, finished in 2011 alongside Frédéric Druot, serves as a benchmark for social housing modernization. These projects emphasize the studio's technical capability to enhance building performance without displacing residents or erasing the site's original architectural character.
6Distinguished Award Portfolio
This latest honor adds to a significant list of accolades for the duo. They previously secured the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2021 and the 2023 Soane Medal. Additionally, Anne Lacaton received the 2025 Jane Drew Prize, further cementing the firm's standing as a leading voice in contemporary architecture and sustainable urban design practices.
7Ceremonial Event Context
The award ceremony will also feature the recognition of architect Kengo Kuma, who is set to receive the Andrée Putman Lifetime Achievement Award 2027. This event brings together prominent figures in the global design community to celebrate contributions that push boundaries in spatial planning, heritage preservation, and the ongoing evolution of modern architectural standards.
8Strategic Industry Significance
The selection of Lacaton Vassal underscores a growing industry shift toward resource conservation and adaptive reuse. By rewarding work that values what is already built, the Créateurs Design Association highlights the necessity of imagination in urban renewal. This recognition reinforces the importance of social responsibility and environmental stewardship within the global architectural profession.