Do you know the role of these heritage protectors?

A highlighting of “arch-use” missions of Architects of the Buildings of France (ABF). The Ministry of Culture has launched a campaign for make people discover the inhabitants and elected officials the role of these particular architects, who ensure the protection of heritage and architectural, urban and landscape quality. In Seine-et-Marne, the departmental unit of heritage architecture (UDAP) is based in Fontainebleau, but also has a antenna in Champs-sur-Marne.

Harmony and coherence: the architects of the buildings of France ensure the protection of the heritage

To better understand their role, you have to go back in time. It was in 1913 that the law relating to historic monuments. In 1943, a law on the creation of historic monuments will follow in 1943 which will open the way to the establishment of architects of the buildings of France in 1946.

“A monument is part of a broader architectural context than its grip and its surroundings must also be monitored to maintain a harmonious and coherent whole,” explains Jean-Louis Auger, head of the UDAP77.

In this context, the architects of buildings in France have two main missions. First, the monitoring and maintenance of classified monuments. “We make sure that the work does not distort the building,” he explains. Our role is to give an opinion on the requests for authorization for work. »»

Attached to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs of Île-de-France (DRAC), the work team related to the regional conservation of Historic Monuments (CMH), but also the Regional Archeology Service. “But I am not an archaeologist,” he warns. I cannot diligen excavations, it is a collective work to preserve the heritage. »»

Their other main mission: the Surveillance of the surroundings. “At each request for urban planning authorization, there is an obligation to request our opinion within a perimeter of 500 meters around the monument,” recalls Jean-Louis Auger.

The opinion in question can go as far as blocking the project, if it involves the coherence of the whole. If frictions can appear around certain projects, other outcomes are possible before the referral to justice: mediation with the DRAC or a graceful appeal.

615 Historical monuments in Seine-et-Marne including 49 in Fontainebleau!

Appeals are also a little used outcome: out of 65,000 opinions issued in 2024 in Île-de-France, only a hundred were examined by justice. The UDAP 77 gives an average of 10,000 opinions per year, out of 35,000 urban planning requests. In Seine-et-Marne, the work is titanic with 615 historic monuments, including 49 for the city of Fontainebleau!

Latest examples of registration to date: the anti-aircraft conical shelter of Villenoy or even the workshop of the artist Victor Vasarely, in Anne-sur-Marne, in 2023. But since 2020, the architects of Buildings of France also watch over the remarkable heritage sites (SPR).

There are 22 in Seine-et-Marne as Fountain-Avon, Provins, Moret, Melunetc. These sectors have specific regulations, in order to preserve a wider environment.

“Look for solutions”

“We make a lot of ground,” he insists. Our role is also to do advice and support, not to annoy people! Our concern is architectural quality and to ensure compliance with town planning rules. “And to add:” that does not mean making houses with pointed roofs and smoking chimneys … It is not because a project is new that it is missed or that it is successful because old … you have to sort it out. »»

To achieve their opinions, the ABFs are based on their expertise, but also the knowledge of the uses and the history of a territory. “Communities can ask us for an opinion on any project,” concludes Jean-Louis Auger. Our role is also to seek solutions. »»

In addition to the main ABF missions, the Ministry of Culture also recalls their role on related themes: from ecological transition to economic boom, including quality of life or support for private owners.

Permanences by appointment are also offered in several municipalities for the inhabitants: Fontainebleau, Nemours, Barbizon, Bourron-Marlotte, Seine-Port and Melun.

Information : [email protected].

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