Architect and lecturer at the University of Liechtenstein joins international future project “Quartiers de demain” launched by the French government

Oscar Buson, architect and lecturer in practice at the Liechtenstein School of Architecture in the Urban Design & Spatial Development Unit, is participating with his office Raum404 in a major European architecture project: Quartiers de demain. The competition, initiated by French President Macron, aims to explore new approaches to urban development and was officially presented in March 2025 at the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris.

From 492 national and international submissions, 30 interdisciplinary teams were selected – among them Raum404, led by Oscar Buson, alongside renowned practices such as Studio Gang (USA), Dominique Perrault (FR), and 51N4E (BE), as well as academic partners including ETH Zurich and Harvard University. The project’s objective is to develop forward-looking urban visions supporting the social and ecological transformation of urban districts, with a strong focus on sustainability, quality of life, and participation.

A site with potential: Le Mans, Quartier des Sablons

The Raum404 team is working at one of the ten selected project sites: the Quartier Les Sablons in Le Mans – a representative example of modern urban planning facing social challenges. Together with two other interdisciplinary teams, Raum404 aims to activate existing potentials, demonstrate new pathways for district development, and involve local residents actively in the design process.

The concepts are being refined through an innovative dialogue process, engaging closely with residents, local authorities, and experts. Starting in May 2025, all ten sites launched so-called “Manufakturen” – open workshops for co-creation. A national gathering followed in June in Paris.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute within this international context – and at the same time to make the University of Liechtenstein visible.”
— Oscar Buson

Presentation to the President and exhibition in Paris

The teams’ results were presented to the French government in November 2025 and will be exhibited from December 2025 to March 2026 at the Cité de l’Architecture, Palais du Trocadéro, in Paris.

Implementation of the projects is scheduled to begin in 2026.

Project information and links

Project website: quartiers-de-demain.archi.fr
Location: Le Mans – Quartier des Sablons
Announcement report: Article featuring the selected teams (in French)
Video insights: YouTube – Overview | YouTube – Details