Overview
Bio-based fibers offer an alternative to construction materials derived from fossil fuels or minerals. Given that the construction sector is one of the largest consumers of resources and emitters of greenhouse gases, the renovation of existing buildings offers an opportunity to increase the use of these materials and transform industry practices.
Their current implementation, which draws on artisanal expertise and often “non-traditional” practices (support for self-renovation, participatory construction projects), is driving social and regional innovations: the development of short-supply-chain networks and the revitalization of traditional construction techniques.
These innovations are at the heart of the post-master’s program offered by the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Lyon, in partnership with academic, nonprofit, and professional organizations that share ecological ambitions and humanistic values.
Targeted Skills
- Understand and leverage a region’s resources to develop projects
- Implementing construction solutions based on bio-based materials
- Design a renovation project for an existing structure using bio-based fibers
- Puttest one’s ability to collaborate throughout the construction project
- Put one’s professional positioning into perspective by questioning one’s practice
Training Objectives
To provide a systemic approach that integrates all areas of knowledge and expertise related to bio-based materials, from resource production to their end use in construction for architecture
To train professionals capable of designing, specifying, and/or implementing architectural and technical solutions tailored to a given project context, in line with the region’s resources and expertise
Create a community of practice through a collective learning framework based on shared social and environmental goals
Training Location
3 Maurice Audin Street
69120 Vaulx-en-Velin
96 Bd de Villefontaine
38090 Villefontaine
Program Structure
The program is structured into 5 course units (45 ECTS), in addition to a professional practicum (10 ECTS) and a professional thesis (20 ECTS).
Course Unit: Bio-based Materials and Construction Solutions
This course teaches students how to characterize and implement construction solutions incorporating bio-based materials. Based on theoretical knowledge and hands-on experimentation, it includes the content of the Pro-Paille certification.
Course Unit: Regional Supply Chains and Resources
This course aims to develop the ability to mobilize bio-based fiber resources available for construction in a given region; the identification of material resources, the mapping of industry stakeholders, and the analysis of their activities are based on the conduct of a collective field survey.
Course Unit: Renovation Project
This course unit provides hands-on experience in designing and implementing projects using bio-based fibers within the framework of a real-world renovation project, while also imparting specialized skills related to working on existing structures (assessment of historic buildings, thermal retrofitting, and professional standards for straw-based construction project management).
Course Unit: Cooperating on a Construction Site
This course provides hands-on experience in designing and constructing with bio-based fibers as part of a real-world renovation project, while also imparting specialized skills related to: site management (planning, logistical organization), the dynamics of building a collaborative work group, and supporting residents in self-renovation.
Professional Practice Course
This course aims to facilitate the transition of future graduates into the workforce by supporting them in structuring or further developing their career plans. It provides them with the tools to develop a reflective approach to their future practice through methodological guidance for the completion of their professional thesis.
Schedule
The program begins in January and ends in May of the following year with the defense of the professional thesis.
Coursework is concentrated in the first year. Classes are held from January through July, then from September through December, for two days (Friday and Saturday) every other week. Two intensive weeks of fieldwork are also scheduled for October.
The corporate internship can be completed through two options:
- On a work-study basis alongside coursework during the first year (January through December)
- On a full-time basis from January through April of the second year, that is, between the end of classes and the thesis defense
Assessment Methods
Skills assessment takes the form of ongoing evaluation and/or final exams, depending on the course.
The workplace placement involves an assessment of the skills acquired within the organization and the submission of an individual activity report.
The professional thesis, based on the workplace assignment, results in a written thesis that is then defended orally before a committee.
Funding
Annual Registration Fee
Self-Financing
6,000€
Organizational Funding (OPCO, training plan, etc.)
7,500€