Founded by three architecture graduates in 2024, the NOU collective aims to open up the architectural discipline in Mauritius. Supported by the French Embassy, the Institut Français de Maurice (IFM) and the Centre d’Étude du Développement Territorial Indo-Océanique (CEDTI), one of its first projects, “Résidence à Richelieu”, was completed in June 2025. Adrien Mallac-Sim, one of the collective’s members, tells us all about it. Eugénie Sauzier-de Rosnay
Over the past year, the NOU collective – now made up of Adrien Mallac-Sim, Alban Salaün, Kevin Pyneeandee and Divakar Moodhoo – has set itself an inspiring mission. As a link between the world of studies and the reality of the professional world, it aims to disseminate a broader approach to architecture, as it is presented on the island. “This extremely rich discipline cannot be reduced to its construction dimension alone,” explains Adrien.
And yet, he says, it’s a plural profession, in constant flux, divided into numerous branches – virtually non-existent in Mauritius. “An architect can be a researcher, a planner, a thinker or even a teacher. He can think about new construction methods and even new materials,” he continues. As the starting point for a global reflection, the NOU collective intends to open up a genuine dialogue between all the stakeholders involved in development, while taking local issues into account.
Moved by the inescapability of environmental change, already perceptible in the irrepressible flooding that afflicts the island, the NOU collective also wants to give a voice to local residents, placing the social context at the heart of every initiative. “Résidence à Richelieu” represents the first steps in this reflection, and an open door to other considerations. This research project, centered around ultra-urbanization in a situation of multiplying environmental events, took place in the field over a ten-month period.
After meeting local residents and studying the local topography and buildings, the members of the collective came to the conclusion that, over and above infrastructural concerns, the most pressing problem was the importance of communication between the various entities involved. “We built this residency as a tool of proximity, an open, living method, where observation, patience and discussion are as essential as drawing or mapping. It also enabled us to rethink the role of the architecture graduate as a mediator, a facilitator at the service of the territory and those who inhabit it”.
After almost a year of research, this fieldwork, which was also punctuated by debates, conferences and workshops, culminated in an exhibition held from May 31 to June 13, 2025 at the IFM. In the coming months, the exhibition will be relocated to Richelieu, for an even more immersive and engaging experience. “This first stage will create links and rethink the articulation of architecture in Mauritius. At the same time, for our part, we will continue to reflect on new viable economic systems to enable these other branches of the discipline to integrate into the Mauritian professional landscape”, concludes our contact.
