The image of mountains has always been strongly associated with the identity of Switzerland. More than 60% of the territory is formed by the Alps, providing a strong cultural and traditional background. In the 18th century, the alpine communities would live mainly isolated in the mountains managing to sustain themselves by living off the land and the richness of alpine resources. It is only later in the 1900’s that society took a turn towards a more touristic and industrial activity which transformed the Alps into a huge playground for newly accom- plished adventurers.

Wherever man goes he leaves a trace. Architecture is the main symbol of this human presence, especially due to the primal need for shel- ter in the harsh and desolated environment of the mountains. These buildings bear to witness a broad range of activities of man in the Alps. Many of them are abandoned, leaving only a shell empty of activity but full of history and memories just waiting to be rediscov- ered and reinterpreted. Being born in a mountain village named Les Avants (VD), I have always been surrounded by obsolete architecture that triggered my interests and emotions. Moreover the state of those buildings depicts a general issues such as depopulation, shortage of jobs and services, an aging population. All of these factors result in a lack of dynamism in such villages.

This work is a collection of ideas, thoughts, references but also fragments of history as well as fragments of a possible future. My proposal puts culture back in the center of the village, literally and physically, by building a theater. Based on concrete references such as the Origen Foundation in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, I imag- ined the formation of a cultural institution called L.A.C. (Les Avants Culture) which would grow over the years in the village and transform it gently. My intervention consists of 7 projects taking place in aban- doned or unused building and sites with varying programs. However they a all share the same goal: to bring life back to the village of Les Avants by believing in the strength of culture and the power of architecture as such.