Jacques Moussafir
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(born 1957) studied architecture at the Ecole d’Architecture de Paris-Tolbiac, and art history under Daniel Arasse at the Sorbonne. In 1993, after a decade of working as project architect for Christian Hauvette, Henri Gaudin, Dominique Perrault and Francis Soler, he established his own firm, MOUSSAFIR ARCHITECTES, based in Paris, France. His early interior designs (IGAS headquarters, State Council offices) were followed by a series of culturally oriented projects, undertaken both solo and in partnership with other architects.
The practice was involved in major renovation projects, such as the conversion of the former library of Paris 8 Saint-Denis university into the Arts Department (UFR Arts, in cooperation with Bernard Dufournet); the restructuring of management offices for the Versailles School of Architecture; and the convertion of the Palace of Fontainebleau’s Henri IV sector into the European Centre for Chamber Music (competition winner). Currently in progress is the restructuring of Vêtements Weill offices in Paris. Recent works include a number of residential projects (private residences, social housing, a hospitality complex in Mozambique) and cultural facilities (notably, concert venues in Alençon, Joué-lès-Tours, Villefranche-sur-Saône, and Allonnes, as well as the community center in Maubeuge).
Jacques Moussafir has also lectured at a number of European schools such as the Polytechnic University of Barcelona, ETSAV, the Aachen School of Architecture (RWTH), the Versailles School of Architecture, the Düsseldorf School of Architecture, and at the Pavillon de l’Arsenal in Paris. He was guest professor, then associate lecturer at the Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris (2003–2007), and at the Ecole d’Architecture, de la Ville et des Territoires at Marne-la-Vallée (2011–2012).
Member of the Commission Nationale du 1% at the Ministry of Culture (2000–2003); of the steering committee at the Centre National des Arts Plastiques (2001–2004); of the CRPS (Commission Régionale du Patrimoine et des Sites) in 2004–2007, Jacques Moussafir is also a co-founder of French Touch (association of French architects created in 2007), which represented France at the 11th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2008.
DISTINCTIONS:
2001 – UFR Arts – AR+D Awards (special mention)
2001 – UFR Arts – nominated for Prix de l’Equerre d’Argent
2002 – «Kaleidoscope House» – Architectural Record Award
2004 – «House in an Orchard» – Prix de la Tour Eiffel awarded by the E.S.A.