The laboratory
Since 2024, URM MAP has been under the supervision of ENSA Lyon (Aria), Nancy (Crai) and Paris-la Villette (Maacc).
MAP-Aria develops its activities in the field of digital environments for architecture and heritage. Its work examines the changes, practices and uses of information technologies in these largely multidisciplinary fields. This research leads to the development and implementation of original models and tools.
Founded in 1988 around emerging computer technologies and their applications to architecture, MAP-Aria is a team within the Ministry of Culture's multi-site research unit, created in 1998.
MAP-Aria is directed by Hervé Lequay, DPLG architect, professor at ENSAL, and Kevin Jacquot, DEA architect, Doctor of Architectural Sciences, senior lecturer at ENSAL.
MAP-Aria's research falls within the two strands of the multi-site research unit's scientific project. The first strand deals with the description of existing artefacts, while the second deals with the processes and tools used in the construction of future buildings.
The models developed
Models and methods for analyzing architectural and cultural heritage
The conservation of cultural property inherently involves the concepts of ‘knowledge’ and ‘transmission’. It involves both understanding the state (components, characteristics, purpose) of the property and its evolution over time – either in terms of its past (history of the property) or its future (in order to ensure its transmission to future generations), thus reflecting the etymology of the word ‘heritage’.
The work carried out by the MAP questions the use of recent technological and methodological advances to observe, analyse, promote and reinvest in heritage in a more rational, open, economical and sustainable way.
The work consists of:
- Surveying, geometric reconstruction and semantic characterisation of architectural forms
- Preventive conservation, curative conservation and restoration of cultural heritage
- Analysis, structuring and visualisation of information and knowledge
Digital models and environments for architectural design
MAP-Aria develops methods and tools to support architectural design in the context of the digital transition.
Three main complementary areas are being developed:
- Changes in architectural design practices: questioning practices and experimenting with systems with a view to producing professional and educational methods and tools to support the digital transition
- Design assistance in the early stages: developing digital tools that can be used in the early stages of architectural design, where the architect's role is essential
- The digital continuum: from design to manufacturing: implementing methods and tools that enable the integration of virtual modelling and real-world manufacturing
"Developing high-level digital skills for innovative, high-performance architectural design".