Technical advice
Drawing on its wealth of experience, the CRAterre team provides skilled experts in all areas of earth architecture to transfer the knowledge needed to use this multi-faceted material with its limitless potential. In this way, we reinforce skills and co-design innovative solutions to contemporary challenges such as access to housing, climate change and resource scarcity.
Distribution / Training
CRAterre relies on educational institutions, new technologies and professional networks to widely share knowledge about the earth material. In this way, we highlight the many advantages of an often overlooked universal resource.
Search
Our research focuses on in-depth analysis of building cultures, working closely with local players to revitalize their assets of common sense, wisdom and sobriety. From the macro-territorial scale of human settlements to the nanoscopic scale of matter, we honor these cultures as sources of inspiration for contemporary architecture and the improvement of our living environment.
Project approach
Our project approach establishes coherence between concepts, methods and objectives by facilitating the active participation of stakeholders - institutional, professional and community.
This approach dynamically combines diagnosis, research, experimentation and application. It strengthens skills and enhances scientific and academic cooperation.
Intervention methodology
The projects are implemented according to a method developed several years ago by CRAterre-ENSAG. This working method is based on the successive realization of 4 types of complementary activities.
This 4-phase cycle is repeated as many times as necessary, so that the proposals made to beneficiaries can be constantly improved. This working method also enables us to gradually empower local partners until they take full responsibility for the actions initiated by the project and its evolution.
The fine-tuning of actions undertaken and their reorientation are determined by all partners and beneficiaries during monitoring and evaluation missions carried out regularly throughout the project. Surveys of beneficiaries are essential for assessing the project's impact.
Innovation capabilities
The analysis of "Constructive Cultures" enables CRAterre to develop innovative construction sectors and project methods adapted to local contexts. CRAterre has also developed new teaching methods, ranging from material handling to training sites.
Its capacity for innovation and multidisciplinary integration is recognized and inspires many institutions around the world. In this respect, large-scale projects such as the Grands Ateliers, the UNESCO Chair and Africa 2009 are exemplary.