Proto-Habitat is a transcript of conversations visits essays photographs paintings objects
and architectures exploring different cultures of dwelling as well as the associated imageries
and means of production. Proto-Habitat is both a theoretical and a practical (built) experiment
to explore ways of dwelling that are closer to contemporary lifestyles. The idea is to broaden
collective representation to include environmentally responsible modes of existence and
prioritizing conditions of habitability over questions of production. The book builds on
research initially carried out at the French Academy in Rome - Villa Medici the exhibition at
arc en rêve Collection Lambert and Grand Hornu and the construction of Proto-Habitat
(Bordeaux Chamonix Clermont Ferrand) protoCAMPO (Rome) and SOLARproto (Almere). Flavien
Menu is an architect whose practice combines research building and sustainable develop-ment.
