The Festival des Architectures Vives (FAV) in Montpellier is gearing up for its 19th edition in June 2025, and the excitement is already building with the announcement of an open call for projects. Known for its innovative exploration of contemporary architecture within the city’s historic courtyards, the festival provides a unique platform for young architects, landscape architects, and urban planners to showcase their creativity. This year’s theme, “La Gourmandise,” promises to be an exciting fusion of architecture and indulgence, inviting designers to push boundaries in the heart of Montpellier.
What is the FAV 2025 Open Call?
The open call for the 2025 edition of FAV is an invitation for architects and designers to propose projects that will be featured during the festival, running from June 10-15. The festival takes place in the Ecusson district of Montpellier, specifically within the private courtyards of historic mansions. This unique venue offers architects the opportunity to create site-specific installations that spark a dialogue between contemporary architecture and heritage spaces.
The goal of FAV is to open up these iconic locations to the public, revealing an intimate connection between modern design and the past. Participants will design installations that creatively interpret the 2025 theme, “La Gourmandise,” which explores indulgence and sensory pleasure in the context of architecture.
The 2025 Theme: “La Gourmandise”
“La Gourmandise” is a term typically associated with the pleasures of taste, but this year’s festival invites architects to reinterpret it through spatial design. The challenge is to transform materials, shapes, and spaces into an expression of indulgence and desire, akin to the way gourmet cuisine pushes the boundaries of flavor and texture.
Participants are tasked with designing immersive installations that provoke curiosity and create a sensory experience for festival-goers. Just as molecular cuisine experiments with new techniques and ingredients, the installations at FAV 2025 will explore innovative approaches to space, light, and materiality. Each design will encourage visitors to engage with the environment in a way that stimulates not just the mind, but also the senses.
How to Participate in the FAV 2025 Open Call
Young architects and landscape architects are encouraged to apply for the open call, with the possibility to form multidisciplinary teams. Applications must include a team presentation, a portfolio of past work, and a note of intent explaining how the team plans to interpret the festival’s theme. Originality is key, as all projects should be unique and tailored to the context of FAV.
The deadline for submissions is December 2, 2024, and applicants are required to submit a single PDF file. Selected teams will receive a subsidy of €1,500 to help bring their concepts to life, and will be responsible for assembling and dismantling their installations during the festival period. The process will kick off with a site visit in February 2025, allowing participants to get familiar with the specific courtyards where their projects will be displayed.
A Platform for Young Creatives
FAV has become a well-established event that attracts thousands of visitors each year, providing emerging architects with a significant platform to showcase their talent. In 2023, the festival welcomed over 13,000 people, up from 3,500 in its early years. For many participants, FAV represents a first opportunity to present their work to the public, fostering creative exchange and dialogue between professionals and visitors.
In 2025, the festival’s collaboration with the European ReCITYing project will add even more value, offering additional opportunities for artistic exploration of unused or private urban spaces. For the selected teams, FAV is not just an exhibition—it’s a chance to engage with history, experiment with space, and challenge the traditional boundaries of architecture.
The open call is a unique opportunity to leave your mark on Montpellier’s architectural landscape. Ready to make your mark? Visit Festival des Architectures Vives to apply before December 2, 2024.
