The Academy of Fine Arts launches a new competition reserved for architects

Each year, the theme will be chosen in connection with the reflections of the five academies. “This choice will allow participants to become part of the intellectual life of the academies, by drawing on the exchanges in progress.“, specifies the institution. For this first edition, the candidates will have to make a research proposal on the theme “scriptures“. The device is open to various practices (project management, theoretical research, research and development, writing, publishing), and it is aimed at architects or multidisciplinary groups for which the architect is an agent. The agent must at least hold a state diploma in architecture conferring a master’s degree or equivalent for international work.

The first prize will be accompanied by a sum of 20,000 euros

The winning projects must be original and will be supported by the Academy. The shortlisted will be invited to develop their project throughout the year, and will discuss with the academicians. The winning team will be designated “Charles Abella Prize” and will receive the sum of 20,000 euros. Three mentions will be awarded to other finalist teams, who will each receive 5,000 euros.

Members and correspondents of the architecture section of the Academy of Fine Arts, as well as two qualified personalities, including the winner of the Grand Prix for architecture the previous year, will make up the jury. A committee of architectural professionals appointed by the section will be responsible for carrying out the preselection.

Applications can be submitted until March 15, 2023 on This site. A preselection will be made the same month. The jury will audition and select the candidates in April. The finalist teams will be invited to the Academy’s solemn prize-giving session in November, for a proclamation of the winning project and mentions in December 2023. Following this, the four finalist projects will be exhibited until January 2024 at the Pavilion Countess of Caen (Palace of the Institut de France).