Back to boating
For its seventh edition, the Bénéteau Foundation's 2017 architecture prize is returning to the nautical world, after several editions devoted to floating or non-floating housing. Students are invited to think about the catamaran, a product that Bénéteau knows well.
A catamaran between 30 and 40 feet
In order to leave candidates' creativity free, the Bénéteau Foundation sets few obligations. The project submitted must be that of a sailing catamaran between 30 and 40 feet in length and less than 22 feet (7 m) wide. Although the length is rather short compared to the average multihull, it should be noted that the type of sail remains open, leaving room for innovative rigging.
The Bénéteau Foundation indicates that the notions of design, on-board comfort, means of propulsion and innovation of on-board systems (electricity, plumbing, waste water treatment) will be important criteria.
The selection criteria will focus on: the concept of the project, its creativity, the comfort of the boat, its functionality and its relationship to the environment.
An international competition
Launched earlier than in previous years to give candidates time to deepen their dossiers, the Bénéteau Foundation's architecture competition aims to broaden its audience. Documents may be written in French or English to facilitate access for international students. They must be submitted before 14/10/2017. Each candidate must provide an up-to-date student card, attesting to his/her registration in Europe in a course of study in architecture, engineering, design, art or other, related to the problem stated.
The jury is as follows:
- President : Annette ROUX, President of the Bénéteau Foundation
- Cyril SANCEREAU, photographer - architect
- Louis-Claude ROUX, Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bénéteau Group
- François PELEGRIN, architect
- Renaud TOURTE, Development Director of BJtechnologie
- Yann MASSELOT, Deputy Managing Director of CNB
- Jean-Christophe GUILLAUMIN, editor-in-chief of Multihull Magazine
The first winner will receive a cheque for 6 000 €, the second 4 000 € and the third ?2,000. Associated with the benefit of Bénéteau's image, this should seduce future yachting professionals.
