COURSE DATES: January 26-30th, 2026
LOCATION: Paris, France
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Dec 12th, 2025
LANGUAGE: English
STUDY LEVEL: From the second year of the bachelor’s degree, upward
NUMBER OF ECTS: 3
Description of the winter school:
This interdisciplinary Winter School that will take place at the University “Paris 8”, brings together students from architecture, management as well as the social sciences and the humanities to explore critical thinking, reflexivity, sustainability, interculturality, and the evolving challenges faced by contemporary environments. The program encourages participants to develop critical and cross-disciplinary perspectives on the social, cultural, environmental, and managerial dimensions that shape urban spaces today.
Within this framework, the Winter School is also a vivid space to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect, conserve, and rehabilitate the heritage of modern architecture (1925–1975) through sustainability lenses. Although this heritage represents one of the most significant cultural expressions of the 20th century, it remains insufficiently recognized. Reflecting on how to preserve and adapt this architectural legacy to contemporary environmental, social and cultural sustainability needs is therefore an essential part of the program.
To support these reflections, La Maladrerie (Aubervilliers, Paris, 1975–1986, designed by Renée Gailhoustet) will serve as a shared case study. This social housing neighbourhood:
- Embodies many values that contemporary architecture still seeks to achieve,
- Faces current threats from renovation projects despite its recognized heritage significance,
Benefits from a strong community movement advocating for renewal that respects the original design principles.
Using La Maladrerie as a concrete field of inquiry, participants will engage in theoretical sessions, guided visits, collaborative analysis, and creative workshops. La Maladrerie serves as a catalyst for investigating broader issues related to sustainability, governance, cultural identity, and the future of modern architectural heritage. Through reflexive and innovative methods, students develop analytical skills and bring critical reflection on the social, cultural, and managerial dimensions related to the case study.
The Winter School promotes critical thinking, reflexivity, transdisciplinary, interculturality and collaborative dialogue to engage with contemporary issues of sustainability.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand environmental, cultural and social sustainability and intercultural issues in urban and architectural contexts.
- Gain experience in interdisciplinary teamwork, consulting and problem-solving.
- Develop reflexive and critical perspectives on the intersection of architecture, sociology and management.
- Analyze the cultural and heritage values of the Modern Movement Architecture (modern architecture built between 1925-1975).
- Learn alternative methods for developing innovative approaches to the physical and intangible dimensions of urban spaces.
- Apply different tools to evaluate built environments through a managerial and architectural lens.
Please note that 3 ECTS correspond to a total student workload. This includes not only the in-person classes, but also all related activities such as readings, assignments, project work, preparation, and any other tasks required to complete the course.
Assessment methods:
Assessment will be based on a short reflective assignment, integrating insights from theoretical sessions, site visits, and interdisciplinary discussions. Participation in workshops and group activities is also required.
Why You Should Apply ?
This winter school offers a unique opportunity to work across disciplines, discover an iconic architectural site, and develop critical perspectives on sustainability, heritage, and management practices. Ideal for students seeking international, interdisciplinary, and hands-on learning experiences.
Who can apply ?
This course is open to ERUA students: any architecture, humanities, or social sciences student interested in sustainability issues, heritage, research methods, critical thinking, reflexivity and innovative approaches.
How to apply ?
If you are interested, please submit your application by dec 12th to the following address:
https://paris8.moveonfr.com/locallogin/660eb384386d1ea0ce0c5ad8/eng
Your application should include:
- CV
- Cover letter (no AI-generated letters, please!)
If your application is accepted, you and your ERUA local team will be notified on December 16th, and if selected, they will inform you about travel and accommodation funding.
For questions regarding funding opportunities, please contact your local ERUA team at your home university.
For administrative questions addressed to the organizers, please reach out to the Paris 8 local team: Marie Lelgoual’ch (marie.lelgoualc_h@univ-paris8.fr) et Irene Serra (irene.serra02@univ-paris8.fr)
