It is a community in Paris that develops many energy related and DIY projects, including Paleo-Energetique, Solar Sound System and RegenBox.
Finally I managed to visit Atelier 21, so of course, a post about this community must be updated.
It was a fortunate timing, because in those days they were organizing a series of public workshops in Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, in a pavilion Makers, (built in crazy postmodern years by Bernard Tschumi, which can even get relevant when thinking of role of architectural imagination).
We had a wonderful long talk with Cédric Carles about all the things they do, along with ideas and strategies. Two things struck me the most: one is how broad is the scope of operations. They work from hands-on DIY and design, do educational programmes, offer workshops for businesses, do proper publishing and engage with political agendas in municipal level and above. Quite a powerhouse.
The second idea that struck me is about working with present time as much as possible: addressing current audiences and current market situation. Focus is on making real impact in the difficult society we live in, in these imperfect circumstances. That is much more difficult and brave than the work of solarpunk, focusing on hope and future aspirations. But of course, as Cédric said, the work is needed in both directions.
It is a shame I didn’t make a proper photoshoot, as talking was so intense. But here you can have a peek to atmosphere and their fresh book in English “Retrotech & Lowtech”.
