U3 Transformation is interested in how things change, from one condition to another. Whether spatial transitions, cultural shits, or physical transformations. We have explored collective living in a post-carbon Nord-Isère using a set of themes to guide us: new patterns of living, regenerative design, and regional qualities.

Around the Hearth explores socialising and food production at the centre of community. An exploration of integrating regenerative design principles such as Aquaponics, Vertical Farming and Rainwater Collection into our way of living. A shared cohousing scheme that starts as inspirational temporary accommodation for the Les Grands Ateliers campus and aims to finish as a future-proofed, closed economy community, generating its own food and power by the year 2060. Inspired by the art movement of ‘Costumbrismo’, the design aims to bring back the idea of a community that revolves around cooking, the inspiration that can come whilst ‘breaking bread’, and some old customs of life that appear to be lost in the modern world. Making places for people, an architecture that encourages social interaction.