A 22-year-old architecture student from Bordeaux has captured widespread attention with her innovative graduation project proposing to elevate an entire coastal village to protect it from rising sea levels. Manon Drouillard's ambitious design calls for raising all 160 traditional cabins in the village of l'Herbe by 1.3 meters (approximately 4.3 feet) to address the growing threat of coastal flooding.
When Drouillard first presented her final thesis project from the National School of Architecture and Landscape (Ensap) in Bordeaux during the summer of 2025, she never anticipated the busy autumn that would follow. Her work, which focuses on elevating the historic oyster farming village to create a resilient community, is currently on display at the 308, Maison de l'Architecture in Bordeaux through November 21.
The young architect's proposal quickly gained momentum within the local community and beyond. The Protection and Development Association of Lège-Cap-Ferret (PALCF) first invited her to present at their general assembly on August 14, marking the beginning of broader media and professional interest in her resilient village concept. "I didn't expect all of this," smiled the 22-year-old architect, reflecting on the unexpected attention her project has received.
The village of l'Herbe, located on the Cap Ferret peninsula, represents one of nine traditional oyster farming villages that house approximately 800 residents along the western coast. These historic communities face increasing vulnerability to rising sea levels and coastal erosion, making Drouillard's innovative approach particularly relevant for local stakeholders and property owners.
In her thesis, Drouillard draws upon elevation techniques that have been successfully implemented in other coastal regions facing similar challenges. Her comprehensive approach addresses not only the technical aspects of raising the structures but also considers the preservation of the village's unique cultural character and its important role in the local oyster farming industry.
The project has sparked broader discussions about coastal adaptation strategies and the protection of traditional maritime communities. The Association of Property Owners of Western Coast Cabins has been advocating for ambitious and coherent protection plans for these vulnerable coastal villages, making Drouillard's proposal particularly timely and relevant.
Professionals in architecture and urban planning have shown significant interest in the project's innovative approach to climate adaptation while preserving cultural heritage. The elevated village concept offers a potential model for other coastal communities facing similar threats from sea level rise and increased storm surge events.
