French architect Loïc Gestin, whose agency is based in Toulon, has recently been awarded the prestigious ArchiCote prize for his work on the Télégraphe project. This marks the second time Gestin has received this honor, having previously won for the gallery at the arts trail in Hyères. His architectural portfolio spans from Arles to Monaco, with the majority of his projects concentrated in the metropolitan area.
Gestin's versatile practice encompasses work for both public institutions and private clients, ranging from urban planning to interior design. His notable projects include the renovation of the Toulon cable car, the restaurant Le Koï (now Geuleton), the urban requalification of La Favière, and the construction of a future rooftop cafeteria at Ingémedia. "These exercises aren't really different for me," Gestin explains. "What interests me is working at all scales, from 10-centimeter floor markers on the arts trail to 500-hectare redevelopments in Saint-Paul-en-Forêt."
The architect emphasizes his commitment to meticulous detail in every project. "We try to work on projects down to the smallest detail. For me, that's what allows us to deliver quality. Everything must be not only conceived but also drawn before construction even begins," he states. This approach is exemplified in his work on the Toulon cable car, a project he considers his greatest achievement to date. Working with the original architect Pierre Pascalet's detailed vision, Gestin successfully preserved the structure's DNA while incorporating contemporary additions.
Regarding contemporary architecture trends, Gestin observes a shift away from modernist universalism. "I feel like the modern movement has gone somewhat out of fashion. In Le Corbusier's time, people imagined solutions that worked everywhere. Today, we're returning to projects specific to the sites where we work," he notes. Environmental urgency and economic crises have become central considerations, making site-specific adaptation crucial for architects.
Mediterranean architecture, according to Gestin, must primarily address solar protection and summer comfort rather than winter heating. "The objective is first to protect from the sun. We think about summer comfort more than winter comfort, especially with climate change," he explains. This environmental consciousness has intensified throughout his career, driven by growing awareness of finite resources and new legal limitations on soil development.
Gestin advocates for a fundamental shift in housing philosophy, predicting the end of the individual house dream. "The dream of an individual house with its little piece of garden is going to become very complicated due to lack of land. The future of housing is collective living and especially the rehabilitation of existing housing stock," he argues. He points to Spain as a model, where 65% of the population lives in apartments compared to 35% in France, with social life centered outside the home.
As a key witness for the Council of Architecture, Urban Planning and Environment's latest exhibition "Habiter l'ensemble" (Living Together), Gestin promotes recognizing value in seemingly ordinary architecture. The exhibition, running until December 11 at CAUE on Place Raspail in Toulon, aims to encourage people to truly observe and understand rather than simply glance at their surroundings.
Education and knowledge transmission have become increasingly important to Gestin's practice. Beyond his architectural work, he teaches at Grande Tourrache and regularly participates in academic juries. "Transmitting, explaining – it's an important part of being an architect," he emphasizes.
Born in Bordeaux on May 22, 1976, Gestin spent his childhood in Brittany before settling in Hyères. After earning his architecture degree in Marseille in February 2001, including an Erasmus program in Spain, he worked in Paris and Rotterdam before founding Gestin Architectes in Toulon in 2007. His October 2025 ArchiCote award recognition solidifies his position as a leading voice in sustainable Mediterranean architecture.
When asked about his personal connection to the region, Gestin reveals that Port-Cros represents paradise for him – "pristine nature, simply magical." His vision for regional improvement includes inverting the car-bicycle ratio in favor of a Dutch-style cycling network. Having lived abroad frequently, he notes that the scent of the Mediterranean – the pines and posidonia seagrass – is what he misses most when away from home.
