The architects of the Bâtiments de France (French National Heritage Buildings) have broken their silence. Accused during the heatwaves of obstructing the installation of air conditioning systems, these officials, responsible for safeguarding France's architectural heritage, claim they were implicitly called murderers. The controversy has escalated with each heatwave, fueled by virulent criticism on social media and in public opinion.
A profession under fire from critics
These professionals emphasize that their mission is to protect the aesthetic and historical integrity of listed buildings or those located in protected areas. Their role sometimes leads them to reject projects involving the installation of visible air conditioners on facades, a stance that has earned them accusations of insensitivity to the health risks associated with extreme heat. Several of them have testified to the severity of the attacks they have endured.
The profession advocates an approach that seeks to reconcile heritage preservation with climate adaptation. The architects of the Bâtiments de France (French National Heritage Buildings) argue for less visually intrusive technical solutions, but acknowledge that dialogue with the public became strained during recent heat waves. This debate illustrates the growing tensions between public health imperatives and the protection of the historic built environment.
