Le Moulin brings the accumulated materials in the barns of a disused watermill in rural France in a new configuration on the field by the river Thouet, St-Generoux. The residency consisted of a 10 day long design and build workshop with 10 young architects and urbanists, to introduce a new pavilion to the scenic property of performance artist Sophal. The project challenged its participants to act and react, adapt to each other's qualities and get acquainted with construction work. Themes were ‘spatial improvisation,’ ‘material inventory’ and ‘negotiating the land.’

The residency not only taught designers to take responsibility over the objects we materialise in the world, it also forged a connection and attunement between its participants that is still valuable today. The remote and scenic residence didn’t have running water, gas, phone service or electricity, and everyone slept in one room. Infrastructure, sharing food and drinks, washing and resting became an integrated part of the collective experience.

After the project, Impromptu Collective was founded, consisting of participants from the residency and affiliated colleagues, designing, hosting and building several projects and workshops over the years.

Le Moulin was exhibited at the main exhibition ‘(T)Huis’ for the Rotterdam Architectuur Maand 2022 at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam.