The MAP (UMR 3495 CNRS/MCC) is a research unit of the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the Ministry of Culture. Its activity focuses on the application of informatics techniques for the study of architecture considered in its heritage, constructive, urban and landscape dimensions. The MAP Laboratory is composed by 4 teams located in several schools of architecture in France : MAP-Gamsau in Marseille, MAP-Aria in Lyon, MAP-Crai in Nancy and MAP-Maac in Paris.

For several years, the MAP-Gamsau team (Groupe de recherche pour l’Application des Méthodes Scientifiques à l’Architecture et à l’Urbanisme) in Marseille, has concentrated its means on the “Digital tools and architectural heritage” topic. Within the framework of this project, mobilized competences relate to the 3D surveying and the representation of architectural heritage, basing on laser scanning, image-based-modeling and knowledge-based modeling of hypothetical states of historic buildings.

The MAP-Aria team, in Lyon, focuses its research activity on the design and development of generative modeling tools for the “assistance” to the architectural design process focusing in particular on the energetic and ecological performances aspects. The investigation of these methods and tools is integrated into a ‘File to Factory continuum’ management: process linking the design to the manufacturing of buildings.

The research works led by the MAP-CRAI team, concern essentially two themes: the valorisation of the architectural heritage by the use of digital tool (image synthesis, lighting simulation, parametric reconstruction) and the assistance to the cognitive and collective activity of conception-construction (natural luminous ambiance design, collective activity visualization, sustainable patterns of design, sustainable design evaluation).

The MAP-MAACC team (Modélisation de l’Assistance à l’Activité Cognitive de Conception) develops researches on Computer Aided Architectural Design within three complementary approaches: a cognitive science approach focused on analyzing the use of computer in architectural design activity; a computer science approach focused on developing new software for assisting the preliminary phases of design; an engineering science approach focused on adapting engineers tools to architectural design practices.