Generations to build, a few hours to destroy.
In this Com d’Archi SPOT episode, Anne-Charlotte Depondt offers a personal and outspoken reflection on the time it takes to build, maintain, and pass on our heritage—and how quickly it can be destroyed.
The fires at Limoges City Hall and Lyon’s tourist information pavilion on October 17, 2026, provide the starting point. The history of these buildings reveals the accumulated efforts of architects, craftspeople, and everyone who helped preserve them for future generations. This account also connects with a deeply personal memory: that of her sister Clémentine and the cities that shaped their lives.
What does it mean to build? From Vitruvius to Hannah Arendt, through Saint Paul, Alberti, and Ruskin, this episode explores the material, collective, and symbolic dimensions of building, culminating in the recognition of architecture as an expression of culture in France’s 1977 Architecture Act.
A call to care for what we have inherited, carry it forward, and remain confident in our ability to build a shared future. With a special thought for younger generations and the conviction that hope remains a powerful force for action.
Written and narrated by Anne-Charlotte Depondt.
Audio: comdarchipodcast / This English version was generated using AI with voice cloning, inspiration of the speakers’ timbre (Anne-Charlotte and is guests). We are continually working to improve the accuracy and quality of our transcripts. While they may still contain occasional errors, each one is carefully reviewed as we refine the process. Thank you for your understanding.
Teaser photos © Sergey Novikov
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