Saint-Gobain Supports the Summer Academy in Architecture and Urban Studies
For the second consecutive year, Saint-Gobain kicked off the “Summer Academy in Architecture and Urban Studies” in Paris, a nine-week program bringing together students from leading American and French universities.
The nineteen participants, all enrolled in architecture or urban planning studies, began their experience with an in-depth introduction to the Group. From the Saint-Gobain Tower, they gained insight into the major contemporary challenges shaping the evolution of cities.
This introduction was accompanied by a presentation of the solutions and materials developed by Saint-Gobain, which are central to sustainable construction practices. The program also included direct exchanges with the Group’s teams and executives. As in the first edition, Benoit Bazin set aside time to discuss with the students the challenges of sustainable development and the adaptation of construction practices to local contexts.
Throughout the orientation week, the students explored several emblematic sites: the Saint-Gobain Innovation Hub Europe, the Group’s Archive Center in Blois, as well as the gypsum quarry and the Placo plant in Vaujours. This itinerary was complemented by visits to a selection of architectural landmarks in the Paris region.
This program, developed in partnership with the Villa Albertine (the cultural and educational services of the French Embassy in the United States), is fully aligned with Saint-Gobain’s Lead & Grow strategy, helping to position the Group as a leading player within its ecosystems, closely attuned to the challenges faced by its customers and the talents of tomorrow.
It is also part of Build Change, the Group’s philanthropy and sponsorship program, which aims in particular to inspire and support the next generation of sustainable construction professionals by fostering dialogue with future architects and urban planners.
Following this week-long immersion, the students will continue their experience with two-month internships at various Parisian architecture firms.