Grand Prix de l'urbanisme 2024 | Claire Schorter in the spotlight

The world of architecture and urban planning has a new winner! Claire Schorter has just been awarded the Grand Prix de l'urbanisme 2024. Announced on 15 July by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, this award is the crowning glory of a career dedicated to transforming our urban spaces. The jury, chaired by Philippe Mazenc, was won over by her ability to reconcile the city and agriculture, and to create projects that are sober and resilient in the face of climate change, while making them pleasant to live in. But who really is Claire Schorter? OOTI takes a look at her background and her vision of the city of tomorrow.

Claire Schorter | The visionary architect reinventing ecological urbanism

Claire Schorter is the winner of the Grand Prix de l'urbanisme 2024, succeeding Simon Teyssou. A graduate of the Paris Val de Marne School of Architecture, she wrought her expertise in renowned agencies such as those of Paul Chemetov and Borja Huidobro, where she contributed to the urban renewal of large housing estates.In 2013, armed with 15 years' experience and driven by an innovative vision, Claire Schorter founded the LAQ agency (L'Amour des Quartiers). This marks a turning point in her career, enabling her to put into practice her philosophy of urban planning that serves people and ecosystems.
Schorter's approach is distinguished by its ambition to ‘green the making of the city’. She advocates a holistic approach that reconciles the city and agriculture, urban density and natural spaces. Her work aims to create projects that are sober, resilient in the face of climate change, and above all pleasant to live in. This innovative vision puts residents at the heart of each project, while integrating the crucial environmental issues of our time.

From the Island of Nantes to Rungis | Claire Schorter's projects

Claire Schorter is making her mark on the French urban landscape with innovative, sustainable projects. OOTI has selected the 3 most emblematic of her career.

Île de Nantes | A full-scale urban laboratory

On the Île de Nantes, Claire Schorter is rethinking large-scale urban planning. Her innovative approach reconciles density, human scale and natural spaces. She has reinvented the urban layout, optimised the plot structure and improved the quality of housing, creating a model neighbourhood that is a pleasure to live in.

Saint-Sauveur station in Lille | When derelict land becomes central

In Lille, she is transforming the Saint-Sauveur railway wasteland into a vibrant neighbourhood. Her method ? Involving local residents in the creation of a new centrality, while making the most of existing biodiversity. A fine demonstration of how transitional uses can breathe new life into neglected spaces.

The Rungis agri-district | Combining town and agriculture

In Rungis, Claire Schorter is pushing back the boundaries of urban planning by creating an innovative “agroquartier”. She is rethinking the urban edge, preserving soil fertility and offering new uses to residents. It's a fine way of proving that agriculture can be harmoniously integrated into the urban fabric.
The architect's influence extends far beyond these flagship projects. From the energy-efficiency renovation of the Escalette garden city in Mouvaux to projects in Rennes, Orléans, Montpellier and Paris, she is constantly redefining the way we think about and live in the city.

The alchemist of urbanism

Claire Schorter's innovative approach to the city combines ecology and urban planning. Her vision is based on several concepts:

• the marriage of the city and agriculture: she breaks down the traditional boundaries between urban and rural, as at Rungis
• Biodiversity at the heart of the city: for her, nature is not a mere ornament, but a vital element of urban planning. In the Saint-Sauveur project in Lille, she is building on existing biodiversity to create a living, ecological neighbourhood.
• Building to withstand climate change: in the face of environmental challenges, we design projects that are sober and resilient. It favours sustainable solutions such as the renovation of existing buildings and the use of local resources, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of its projects.
• citizens, co-creators of their environment: citizen involvement is at the heart of the Schorter method. In Lille, it involves local residents. This participatory approach ensures that projects truly meet the needs and aspirations of local communities.

Reinventing 21st-century urban planning

Claire Schorter's impact on modern urban planning is undeniable. Her avant-garde vision is redefining planning practices, as recognised by the jury of the Grand Prix de l'urbanisme 2024, one of France's many architecture prizes. By focusing on ecology and the human dimension, she is opening up new avenues for tomorrow's urban planning.
Her innovative approach, reconciling city and nature, density and quality of life, is inspiring a new generation of urban planners. The jury praised her ‘anticipatory and appropriative approaches’, underlining her inspiration for future planning practices.
Claire Schorter doesn't just design spaces: she creates sustainable urban ecosystems. Her work demonstrates that it is possible to build cities that are resilient, ecological and pleasant to live in. It's a great way of paving the way for more responsible, people-centred urban planning.