Clément Blanchet
Biography
ABOUT
Clément Blanchet Architecture [cba]. After a decade collaborating with Rem Koolhaas where he was associate and then director of OMA France; Blanchet established his studio [cba] in 2014. The practice is structured as a laboratory and is engaged in architecture, urban planning, and research, dealing with cultural, residential, and infrastructural projects and aiming to redefine urban landscapes with a visionary approach. With a strong global presence, [cba] continues to push the boundaries of the built environment, creating spaces that merge ingenuity, sustainability, and technical precision. Blanchet’s philosophy is rooted in continuous exploration, challenging conventional norms to craft unique, impactful projects. His designs reflect a deep understanding of contemporary challenges, embracing intricacy and innovation and acting as a testament to architecture’s evolving role in shaping the cities of today.
AWARDS
- Equerre d’argent – Alexis de Tocqueville Library; “Les 100 qui font la ville” – Traits Urbains 2025; Award for Best Design – Fooding 2014
PROJECTS TO BE PRESENTED DURING THE EVENT
Project #1: Bauer District Stadium
Start year: 01.02.2019
The Bauer District project integrates into a broader urban system, redefining its identity in relation to the Flea Market, Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, and Greater Paris. Balancing heritage and innovation, the project preserves the site’s architectural essence while fostering a dynamic new ecosystem. At its core, a large central vault crosses the Bauer Box, maintaining stadium views from Dr. Bauer Street and enhancing the site’s visibility. This open structure creates dynamic facades, making the district active and engaging day and night. Around this vault, spaces are designed for fluid interaction rather than isolation, fostering social connections. The Magic Box becomes a vibrant hub, blending shops, restaurants, cultural spaces, sports and wellness areas, offices, and co-living spaces. More than an urban renewal, the project transforms Bauer District into a thriving, interconnected destination.
Project #2: Administrative Centre for the Sicilian Region
Start year: 01.03.2021
The international competition for the Sicilian Region’s new administrative center envisions a 120,000 m² metropolitan hub, redefining urban life while addressing environmental challenges. Inspired by Mediterranean urban models, the design features a vibrant central axis and three public squares. Active ground floors host diverse programs—shops, cafés, restaurants, a wellness center, a gym, a church, and a school—creating an inclusive, dynamic space. Built with wood and steel, clad in Sicilian stone, the buildings are strategically positioned to harness seasonal winds for natural cooling. Vegetation is carefully integrated to mitigate urban heat. At its heart, il nuovo orizzonte, a suspended garden on the 6th floor, offers panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Designed as a welcoming, flexible workspace, the center fosters collaboration while providing inviting terraces and cafés, making it an open and engaging space for both employees and citizens.
Project #3: Al Uquair
Start year: 01.06.2021
Our proposal for Al Uquair reimagines the site with a simple yet powerful gesture—a vector that shapes the landscape, creating a seamless visitor experience and immersing them in the site’s rich history. Today, the port, its administration, and the fort stand restored but unused, waiting to be revived. Therefore, rather than imposing new structures, we introduce a unifying architectural element that connects past and present. The museum hence becomes the heart of the site, subtly integrating with its surroundings while preserving its historical essence. Its sloping form rises naturally from the landscape, becoming a landmark and an evolving space for discovery. Designed for continuous activity, Al Uqair will host a research center, adaptable event spaces, and immersive experiences. More than a museum, Al Uqair is a living, breathing cultural and ecological destination, shaping the future while honoring its past.