The Table Ronde de l'Architecture (T.R.A.) is a non-profit organisation serving the public interest dedicated to the preservation and teaching of traditional architecture.
Founded in December 2020 in Brussels by Nadia Everard and Noé Morin, the T.R.A. was based in Bruges between 2022 and early 2026. In 2026, a French association bearing the same name was created and is now permanently established in the village of Westhoffen, in Alsace.
What is traditional architecture? Far from being a style (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Art Nouveau) or a period (e.g. the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the 19th century), it is a method. It is the method of the architect who, when faced with a project, first asks himself: what programme, what materials, what techniques, what topography, what climate? It is the method of the builder who, humbly, prefers to rely on tradition rather than his own genius.
The architecture we advocate is architecture freed from dogma, whether it be the verses of Le Corbusier's Athens Charter or Vignole's canon, architecture that, freed from the pursuit of ‘style’, is not afraid to dwell on practical matters. It is an architecture that remembers that it is first and foremost a τέχνη (tékhnē), a science, and that it is only when its elements have been arranged logically and the form corresponds to the structure that the eye takes pleasure in recognising the principle of Beauty in this clever, accurate and reasoned construction. For what pleases the eye first pleases reason.
Based on the observation that architecture is deteriorating and taking on the appearance of a standardised product, La Table Ronde de l'Architecture seeks to identify the causes of this deterioration in order to provide a theoretical solution (through its Thoughts) and a practical solution (through its Schools, Workshops, Activities and Advice).
The schools of Bruges, Conques and Alsace bring together students from all over the world. Here, they discover the rigour of hand-drawing and the rules of composition, they exercise their eyes and their judgement on ancient architectural forms, and they learn about the stereotomy of wood and stone, ironwork, roofing and the main traditional building crafts. The aim of our teaching - both intellectual and practical - is to ensure that students become competent and free builders who are both curious and well-informed. This is the only way to reconnect with architecture that is beautiful, humane and enduring.
Since 2020, the T.R.A. is the representative of the Belgian chapter of the INTBAU network.
Between 2023 and 2025, the T.R.A. was the organizer of the European Price of Architecture Philippe Rotthier.
Since 2024, the T.R.A. is one of the partners of the European project MindCrafts.
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Examine all things;
hold fast to what is good.
Thessalonians 5:21
The friends of the TRA
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Your support makes everything we do possible!
La Table Ronde de l’Architecture is a non-profit organisation of general interest, dedicated to teaching traditional architecture and building crafts. Your donations go directly to our education programme.
As a Friend of TRA, you will receive news about our projects and invitations to our open days.
From €50, you fund drawing materials for the students of our summer schools.
From €100, you fund tools for learning traditional crafts.
From €1,000, you fund a scholarship for a student with limited means.
From €5,000, you fund a complete craft workshop (instructors, tools and materials) and help bring to life a permanent school of architecture and crafts in Westhoffen, Alsace.
Donate online:
Support our campaign on GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-build-europes-first-school-of-architecture-crafts-en
Donate by bank transfer or with Wise:
Account holder: La Table Ronde de l’Architecture
Bank: Crédit Mutuel – CCM du Vignoble
IBAN: FR76 1027 8014 6200 0206 5800 230
BIC / SWIFT: CMCIFR2A
Reference: “Donation TRA – First name Last name”
Please let us know about your donation at contact@latablerondearchitecture.com so we can thank you personally!
Thank you warmly for your trust and support!
Tax information for French taxpayers: La Table Ronde de l’Architecture is recognised as an organisation of general interest with an educational and cultural purpose (tax ruling of the DRFiP Grand Est, 14/10/2026). Donations by bank transfer allocated to our teaching activities (summer schools and craft workshops) give right to a tax reduction. Individuals can deduct 66% of their donation from their income tax, up to 20% of taxable income. Companies can deduct 60%, up to €20,000 or 0.5% of turnover excluding VAT (whichever is higher). Donations made through GoFundMe do not give right to a tax receipt. To receive your tax receipt, please send us your full name, full postal address and email. Companies should send their company name and legal form, SIREN number, registered office address, and a contact name and email. Your data is used only to issue your tax receipt and to keep you informed of our activities. It is kept for 6 years. To access, correct or delete it: contact@latablerondearchitecture.com.