The 6th annual ArchiCOTE contemporary architecture competition organised by SACA* and COTE Magazine has again singled out the Riviera's most remarkable new builds, revealed on 19 October.
The ArchiCOTE competition was launched in 2013 to promote contemporary architecture by spotlighting the most diverse projects possible. Through their creativity and their initiatives the Côte d’Azur's architects have a huge impact on the Riviera's economy; for that reason, and because highlighting Riviera excellence is the vocation of both SACA* and COTE Magazine, it was important to initiate a means of paying tribute to their work. The 2018 competition awarded prizes in five categories – Less is More, Private Dwelling, Student Project, Multi-Occupancy Housing and Photography – as well as paying a special tribute to architect Michel Marot, designer of many beautiful buildings including Villa Arson, which again hosted the awards ceremony. This year's jury included architect Manuelle Gautrand – quite a feather in ArchiCOTE's cap as Ms Gautrand enjoys a worldwide reputation and has been winning awards for 20 years. She is the first woman to be elected Chair of the Académie d'Architecture and also the first woman and first French architect to win the European Prize for Architecture (in 2017). The ArchiCOTE jury assesses each entry according to precise criteria. First of all the judges check that the project is genuinely contemporary and that the end result complies with the dossier submitted. They then assess the boldness of the project and the architect's self-imposed quality standards, how the building fits into its surroundings, and the quality of the finished product and its presentation board. Then the verdict falls. On 19 October the winners received trophies crafted by artist ZED, presented by ArchiCOTE's partners Sabl’Art, Jbonet, Cavallari, CBL and Club Airport Premier (Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur).
Par Alexandre Benoist
Côteweb 2021, création de site Internet sur Nice