Braillard, Architects from Father to Son

80 Years of Projects

From Wednesday, April 2 to Saturday, September 20, 2025 – L’îlot-S, Annecy

Maurice Braillard (1879-1965) was an architect, urban planner, and politician whose professional activities and commitments left a lasting mark on Geneva.
In 1907, he opened his own architectural practice. Two of his sons, Pierre Braillard (1911-2009) and Charles Braillard (1921-1980), followed in his father’s footsteps and trained in this family practice. Between them, they designed several hundred projects, both completed and uncompleted, over nearly eight decades, until the closure of Pierre Braillard’s practice in 1983.
This exceptional longevity testifies not only to his adaptability, but also to a major contribution to the architectural and urban development of Geneva in the 20th century. The Braillard Architects Foundation, created at the initiative of Pierre Braillard in 1987, preserves the archives of these architects and extends their commitment to working for Geneva.

The Braillards are distinguished by the diversity of their fields of intervention, from architecture to urban planning, including real estate development and political engagement. Their work primarily reflects the city’s daily needs: housing, public facilities and spaces, retail, and offices. While some buildings have become iconic, such as the Salève cable car, the World Intellectual Property Organization tower, or a few buildings like La Maison Ronde, much of their work remains unknown.

Based on the archives of the Braillard Architects Foundation in Geneva, research already completed, and the current thesis by Fleur Richard, this exhibition invites visitors to discover different facets of these architects. Drawing, omnipresent, provides an opportunity to delve into the daily life of their practices. For the first time, this exhibition retraces their respective careers, from flagship projects to more modest achievements.

Produced by: CAUE de Haute-Savoie

Scientific content: Fleur Richard, State Diploma in Architecture (HMONP), PhD student (CIFRE) at ENSA Paris La Villette (AHTTEP)

Graphic design and scenography: Carine Altermatt

Partner: Fondation Braillard Architectes