resumé

Dominique Coulon was born in the Jura region of eastern France in 1961 and studied architecture in Strasbourg and Paris-Belleville. After graduating in 1989, he set up his office in Strasbourg, in eastern France. In 1991, he won the Villa Medici Hors les Murs award and travelled in the United States, Latin America and Europe.

Refusing to be limited by a pre-established method, Dominique Coulon seeks to explore different ways of approaching projects in order to rethink spaces and uses.

He is spurred on by his reflexive and philosophical approach to design buildings that reflect spatial complexity. Considering this complexity is an approach that gives the architect the freedom to deal with the heterogeneity of the project’s data, to construct unity. In this way, using an intuitive process that greatly depends on the nature of the place, his architecture is always composed of dynamically imbricated elements.

Contexts and respect for historical background are also among his concerns.

In parallel with his production, Dominique Coulon has also taught at the School of Architecture in Strasbourg since 2007. He founded the master’s degree in ‘Architecture and Complexity’, where his teaching method consists of crossing different disciplines in order to find a new dynamic in the approach to the architectural project.

With the desire to train people and make them capable of formulating an architectural thought both in theory and in practice, he has developed, within this master’s degree, a teaching method that is based on the propensity of the student to cultivate a personal vision.

While there is not really any method for inventing architecture, he does feel there is the possibility of guiding the student’s spirit towards discovery through various tools: architecture is not organized, it is discovered. Students must use their intuition and synthesise the data inherent in the project to overcome the passive posture of being taught, and instead develop an emergency strategy to assume the unpredictability of architecture as potential to create a project: complexity then becomes the driving force of the architectural project.

In 2008 the agency adopted the name of Dominique Coulon & associés. It mainly develops projects in the public sector, but also works on a range of programmes: libraries, hospital buildings, theatres, swimming pools, music schools, exhibition halls, school assembly halls, sports facilities, homes, university buildings, etc.

In 2022 he was awarded the Golden Medal by the French Academy of Architecture.

Awards

2024
Runner-up, Rethinking The Future Awards, for the Swimming Pool Complex in Fondettes, category Sports and Recreation

RTF Awards

Special mention, Architizer A+ Awards, category cultural and expo center for the conservatoire of music, theatre and dance in Montigny-le-Bretonneux

Architizer A+ Awards

Honorable mention, FRAME awards, for the conservatoire of music, theatre and dance in Montigny-le-Bretonneux

FRAME Awards

No. 25 best architecture firm worldwide according to Archello

Archello

No. 1 best french architecure firm according to Archello

Archello

2023
Number 1 leading architecture french firm in the top 30 from Architizer

Architizer

Nominated, Best on Archilovers 2023, for Antipode: Youth and cultural center and library in Rennes

Archilovers

Nominated, Architectural Design Award from the Architecture Masterprize, for Antipode: Youth and cultural center and library in Rennes

Architecture Masterprize

2022
Nominated, Best on Archilovers 2022, for the ‘Simone Veil’ group of schools in Villejuif

Archilovers

Nominated, Best on Archilovers 2022, for the ‘Moulon’ school group at the saclay plateau in Gif-sur-Yvette

Archilovers

Laureate, The Plan Awards 2022, for the Housing for the elderly in Huningue, Health category

The Plan Awards 2022

Laureate, The Plan Awards 2022, for the Animu media library in Porto-Vecchio, Culture category

The Plan Awards 2022

Finalist, The Plan Awards 2022, for the ‘Moulon’ school group at the saclay plateau in Gif-sur-Yvette, Education category

The plan Awards 2022

Finalist, Trophée Béton pro for the Animu Media library in Porto-Vecchio

Winners of the 3rd edition of the Concrete Pro Trophy 2022

Laureate, "Interior Space Prize" of the Grand Prix des bibliothèques organized by Livres Hebdo, for the Antipode media library in Rennes
Dominique Coulon was awarded the 2022 Grand Golden Medal by the French Academy of Architecture

Prizes and Awards Booklet 2022

Third Pize, Re Thinking the Futur Awards 2022, for the ‘Moulon’ school group at the saclay plateau in Gif-sur-Yvette

RTF Awards 2022 - Institutional (built) - runner up

2021
Laureate, S.Arch Awards 2021, Best completed project for the ‘Pierre Bottero’ media library and park in Pélissanne in the small project category

S.ARCH 2021 Winners

Laureate, International Architecture Awards 2021, for the ‘Pierre Bottero’ media library and park in Pélissanne

The International Architecture Awards 2021

Longlist, Dezeen Awards 2021, ‘Pierre Bottero’ media library and park in Pélissanne in the cultural building category

Dezeen awards 2021

Shortlist, Die Schönsten Deutschen Bücher 2021, for the Monograph of the agency 'Traversées/Crossings'

The Monograph of the agency 'Traversées/Crossings'

Finalist, Architizer A+Awards, for the Housing for the elderly in Huningue, int he "Hospital & Healthcare Centers " category

Architizer A + Awards

Finalist, Architizer A+Awards, for the ‘Pierre Bottero’ media library and park in Pélissanne, in the "Libraries " category

Architizer A + Awards

Nominated, Archdaily Building of the Year 2021, for the ‘Pierre Bottero’ media library and park in Pélissanne.

Archdaily 2021

Nominated, Archdaily Building of the Year 2021, for the School group Olympe de Gouges in Gidy.

Archdaily 2021

Laureate, Architizer A+Firm Awards 2021, in the "Best in Europe" category

Architizer 2021

Finalist, Architizer A+Firm Awards 2021, in the "Best Medium Firm" category

Architizer 2021

2020
Laureate, Les Rubans du Patrimoine 2020, for the ‘Pierre Bottero’ media library and park in Pélissanne, in the departmental category

Les prix des Rubans du Patrimoine

Laureate, Architecture Masterprize 2020, for the ‘Pierre Bottero’ media library and park in Pélissanne, in the Cultural Architecture category

Architecture Masterprize 2020

Honorable Mention, Architecture Masterprize 2020, for the school group Olympe de Gouges in Gidy, in the Educational Buildings category

Architecture Masterprize 2020

Laureate, Architecture Masterprize 2020, for the School group René Beauverie in Vaulx-en-Velin, in the Educational Buildings category

Architecture Masterprize 2020

Finalist, Re-Thinking the Future - ACD Awards 2022, for the School group René Beauverie in Vaulx-en-Velin, in the public building (built) category

ACD Awards 2020 Public building (built) - Runner up

Finalist, Frame Awards 2020, for the Housing for the elderly in Huningue, category Co-living Complex of the Year

Frame Awards 2020 Co-living Complex of the Year - Longlist

Finalist, Frame Awards 2020, for the Covered market and exhibition area in Schiltigheim, category Cultural Space of the Year

Frame Awards 2020 Cultural Space of the Year - Longlist

2019
Nominated, EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award 2019, for the Théodore Gouvy theatre in Freyming-Merlebach

EU Mies Award 2019

Laureate, Le Geste d'Or prize, Covered market and exhibition hall in Schiltigheim, France - Bronze

Le Geste d'Or 2019

Laureate, Trophée Béton Pro prize, Salvador Allende performing arts centre and music studios in Mons-en-Baroeul, France.

Trophée Béton Pro 2019

Finalist, Archdaily 2019 Building of the Year, for the Housing for the people in Huningue, in the Healthcare architecture category

Archdaily 2019 Building of the year

Laureate, ADC Awards 2019, ‘Human Rights’ sports centre in Strasbourg, in the sports category

ADC Awards

2018
Nominated, Equerre d'Argent 2018, for the Théodore Gouvy theatre in Freyming-Merlebach, in the culture, youth and sport category

Equerre d'Argent 2018

Laureate, Architecture MasterPrize 2018, for the ‘Théodore Gouvy’ Theatre in Freyming-Merlebach, in the ‘Cultural Architecture' category

Architecture MasterPrize 2018

Laureate, Architecture MasterPrize 2018, for the ‘Human Rights’ sports centre in Strasbourg, in the ‘Recreational Architecture’ category

Architecture MasterPrize 2018

Laureate, Architecture MasterPrize 2018, for the offices and housing in Strasbourg, in the ‘Mixed use Architecture’ category

Architecture MasterPrize 2018

Laureate, Architecture MasterPrize 2018, for the covered market and exhibition area in Schiltigheim, in the ‘Restoration & Renovation’ category

Architecture MasterPrize 2018

Nominated, Blueprint Awards 2018,for the Théodore Gouvy theatre in Freyming-Merlebach, in the 'Best Public-Use Project With Public Funding' category

Shortlist Blueprint Awards 2018

Nominated, Dezeen Awards 2018, for the Théodore Gouvy theatre in Freyming-Merlebach

Dezeen Awards 2018 Architecture Longlist

Honorable mention, S.ARCH 2018 Architecture Awards for the Theatre in Freyming-Merlebach

S.ARCH 2018 Architecture Awards

Laureate - 1st prize, AIT Award 2018, for the Simone Veil group of schools in Colombes, category education

Nominated, Frame Awards, for the Media library [Third place] in Thionville, category governmental interior of the year

Frame Awards

2017
Nominated, BigMat'17 International Architecture Award, for the gymnasium in Clamart

BigMat'17 International Architecture Award

Laureate, Trophée Eiffel d'architecture acier 2017, for the Media Library [3rd place] in Thionville in the entertaining category

Trophée Eiffel d'architecture acier 2017

Nominated, EU Mies Awards, 2017, Nursing home in Orbec

UE Mies Award 2017

Special Mention of the jury, "Les défis urbains", for the Media Library [third place] in Thionville in the Creation of centrality category

Les défis urbains - Winners 2017

Special Mention of the jury, Architizer A+ Awards 2017, for the Sports Hall Les Closiaux in Clamart in the Recreation Centers Category

Link Special Mention category

Finalist, "WAN Colour in Architecture Award 2016" for the André Malraux group of schools in Montpellier.

WAN Colour in Architecture Award 2016

Selected, to ADC Awards 2017, for the kindergarden in Buhl

Book ADC Awards 2017 Selection

Selected, to ADC Awards 2017, for the school complex in Colombes

Book ADC Awards 2017 Selection

Selected, to ADC Awards 2017, for the music school in Belfort

Book ADC Awards 2017 Selection

2016
Laureate, "The American Architecture Prize AAP 2016" category "Healthcare Architecture" Nursing home in Orbec

American Architecture Prize - Silver Winner - Orbec

Laureate, "The American Architecture Prize AAP 2016" category "Educational Architecture" School in Colombes

American Architecture Prize - Silver Winner - Colombes

Honorable Mention, "The American Architecture Prize AAP 2016" category "Cultural Architecture" Conservatoire in Belfort

American Architecture Prize -Honorable Mention - Belfort

Nominated, ADC Awards 2016, for the ‘Henri Wallon’ swimming pool in Bagneux

Book ADC Awards 2016 Selection

Nominated, ADC Awards 2016, for the Art and Conference Centre, Inter-Generation Centre, and Tourist Office in Venarey-Les Laumes

Book ADC Awards 2016 Selection

Laureate, Iconic Awards 2016, German Design Council, 'Henri Dutilleux' Conservatoire of Music, Dance and Dramatic Arts in Belfort

Iconic Awards 2016

Laureate, "Palmarès 2015-2016" DRAC Alsace and the CAUE67 St.Jean group of schools in Strasbourg

CAUE67

2015
Laureate, The International Architecture Award, for its Multicultural centre in Isbergues

The International Architecture Award

Laureate, The International Architecture Award, for the Swimming pool in Bagneux

The International Architecture Award

2nd prize at Trophée Bâtiment Santé 2015, St.Jean group of schools in Strasbourg

Trophée Bâtiment Santé Award

Nominated, "BigMat'15 International Architecture Award" for the Tribunal in Montmorency, Swimming pool in Bagneux and library in Isbergues.

BigMat'15 International Architecture Award

Finalist, Architizer A+ Awards - for the Library and Theater in Isbergues.

Architizer A+ Awards Finalists

Finalist, Architizer A+ Awards - for the Tribunal in Montmorency

Architizer A+ Awards Finalists

Special Mention, Architizer A+ Awards, for Swimming pool in Bagneux

Architizer A+ Awards Special Mentions

2014
Laureate of the Pool Vision 2014 Award for the Swimming pool in Bagneux

Pool Vision 2014 Winners

Laureate and special mention of the jury, of the Sustainable Building Award given by the CAUE 95 for the Regional court and Industrial Tribunal in Montmorency

CAUE95

2013
Nominated, "BigMat'13 International Architecture Award" for the Kindergarten in Marmoutier

BigMat'13 International Architecture Award

Nominated, "BigMat'13 International Architecture Award" for the Nursing Home in Mattaincourt

BigMat'13 International Architecture Award

Special Mention, Architizer A+ Awards, for the ‘Joséphine Baker’ group of schools at La Courneuve

Architizer A+ Awards Special Mentions

2012
Laureate of the ‘24 heures d'Architecture’, for the library in Anzin

Archicontemporaine Award

Laureate of the ‘24 heures d'Architecture’, for the ‘Joséphine Baker’ group of schools at La Courneuve

Archicontemporaine Award

Nominated, ECOLA Award 2012, for the ‘Joséphine Baker’ group of schools at La Courneuve

ECOLA Award

2011
Laureate, of The International Architecture Award, for its Library in Anzin

The International Architecture Award

Laureate for the "most beautiful interior space" awarded by the french magazine Livres Hebdo for its Library in Anzin
Nominated, LEAF Awards 2011 for the Nursing home in Mattaincourt

LEAF Awards Shortlist

Nominated, LEAF Awards 2011 for the ‘Joséphine Baker’ group of schools at La Courneuve

LEAF Awards Shortlist

2010
Laureate, The International Architecture Award, for its Conservatory of Music in Maizières-les-Metz

The International Architecture Award

2009
Nominated for EU prize awarded by Mies Van der Rohe Foundation for the national drama centre in Montreuil

E.U. Prize - Mies Award

2008
Laureate, for European Concrete Award de l’ECSN, for the national drama centre in Montreuil

ECSN - European Concrete Award

Nominated for BSI Swiss Architectural Award for the national drama centre in Montreuil

BSI Swiss Architectural Award

2006
Laureate in selection at 3rd OECD/PEB Compendium of Exemplary Educational Facilities for the 'Martin Peller' group of schools in Reims

Compendium of Exemplary Educational Facilities - OECD

2003
Nominated for Equerre d’Argent Award for the extension and restructuring of the 'Leclerc' high school, Saverne

Equerre d'Argent Award - AMC Le Moniteur

2002
Nominated for Equerre d’Argent for 'Sculpteurs Jacques' nursery school in Reims

Equerre d’Argent Award - AMC Le Moniteur

1999
Nominated for Equerre d’Argent for hospital in Ingwiller

Equerre d’Argent Award - AMC Le Moniteur

1997
Laureate, "Prix de la Première Oeuvre" for the "Louis Pasteur" college in Strasbourg

"Prix de la Première Oeuvre" - Moniteur

1991
Special mention of the jury, Butagaz competition
1990
Special mention of the jury, Japanese Centre in Paris
1987
Second prize of the BMW competition