hello@atelier21.org +33 6 48 25 18 56

Atelier 21 is a nonprofit organization that has been working for more than 15 years on energy transition and practical ecology issues.
Through our projects, we aim to share useful knowledge to help imagine a more sustainable future. 

 “Energy is an invisible… and complex problem! We cannot see it, we do not know where it
comes from, where it was produced, or even less what its impacts are. What we try to
do at Atelier 21 is make it visible and understandable for everyone!”

Cédric Carles, founder and director of the organization

Training

Retrofutur Challenge
Are you a company or local authority looking to spark innovation within your team? Dive into the Retrofutur Challenge and discover how inventions from the past can fuel your innovation strategy.
Training and Education
Ecolab
Now based at Jardin des Traverses in Paris’s 18th district, ECOLAB is an educational demonstrator on the history of renewable energy and low-tech solutions.
Training and Education
Energy Solidarity
Energy Solidarity: a network running a campaign to fight energy poverty.
Practical tips, educational resources, event toolkits: finding smart low-cost solutions as an alternative to energy poverty.
Training and Education
MOOC Energy Transition
Atelier 21, in partnership with Schneider Electric, delivers and hosts an online course on energy transition. Produced on behalf of the United Nations International Trade Centre.
Training and Education

Socio-Cultural Actions

Solar Sound System
Solar Sound System
Since 1999, SolarSoundSystem has been a network of hybrid sound systems powered by solar and human energy for cultural and energy-related experiences in public spaces.
SolarSoundSystem
Radio 3S
Radio 3S
The official radio station of the SolarSoundSystem network, running 24/7 on solar power. Eclectic and energetic music from around the world.
SolarSoundSystem
Retrofutur Museum
A citizen museum about the history of the energy transition. The traveling exhibition (re)highlights forgotten knowledge and brings it into dialogue with contemporary creations from design, engineering, and art.
Educational Videos
Transitionneuses
This web series highlights the journeys of women of all ages, with diverse backgrounds and professions, all driven by environmental and social challenges.
Educational Videos

Participatory Research

Paleo Energetique
Paleo-Energetics
Paleo-Energetics is a citizen-led participatory research program aiming to rewrite the history of energy by exploring the past to build a brighter future.
Research Program
Acclimatation(s)
Conducted in Arles in 2023-2024, the Acclimatation(s) architecture residency explored low-impact urban cooling strategies adapted to the historic center, reactivating local know-how to cope with extreme heat.
Research Program
Smart Grid
Commissioned by Cité du Design and PUCA and led by Atelier 21, Smart Grid: Bepos and Territories is a research program studying interactions between users and new electrical networks in a rapidly changing landscape.
Research Program
Energy Poverty
Commissioned by Cité du Design in Saint-Etienne, Guaranteed Energy for Tenants is a research-by-design program developing solutions to reduce energy poverty in housing.
Research Program

Other Projects

Regen Box
RegenBox is an open-source regenerator for “non-rechargeable” alkaline batteries, supported by a community of beta testers.
Products and Open Source
Station-E
Between 2018 and 2022, the Station E site (E for Energy) at 236 rue de Paris in Montreuil hosted many activities focused on energy challenges, along with renewable energy production demonstrators.
Third Place
Juice Energy Bar
The Juice Energy Bar serves freshly blended organic fruit juices powered by solar and human energy. We select seasonal, locally grown organic fruits and vegetables to minimize our environmental impact.
SolarSoundSystem
Open Picnic
Openly shared plans for urban and rural furniture, provided items are built by reusing old tables and/or local municipal wood.
Products and Open Source