As a heatwave reignited debates on how cities can adapt to extreme weather, the Academy of Architecture reaffirmed its support for the French Building Architects (ABF), emphasizing their vital role in shaping French cities while balancing heritage preservation with modern livability. Some regions in France benefit from heritage protection, a system that has evolved since a 1913 law. The LCAP law, passed in July 2016, expanded these protections to include buildings less than 100 years old, aiming to preserve recent heritage that might otherwise be overlooked. These protected areas cover around 6% of the country. The Historic Monuments Architects and the French Building Architects are responsible for maintaining and restoring buildings, as well as protecting their surrounding areas. They are trained in both architectural history and construction science, enabling them to carry out these complex tasks. In other areas, where heritage could also be valuable, the lack of access to the expertise of the ABF has led to sometimes poorly planned changes or even demolitions. Independent, knowledgeable protection is crucial for the long-term preservation of cultural heritage. While heritage is not static, it must adapt to modern challenges, such as climate change and contemporary living needs. However, it is important to do so in a way that maintains its historical coherence and unity. The ABF, with their specialized knowledge and sensitivity, are uniquely equipped to achieve this balance. On the topic of renewable energy, a government circular signed by the ministries of Ecological Transition and Culture in December 2022 outlined guidelines for the installation of solar panels, which all ABF now follow. However, the proposed "Relaunch and Decentralization of Housing" bill, currently under review by the National Assembly, has raised concerns. This bill introduces local interest operations (OIL) that may question the ABF’s input on certain areas. Critics argue that this could signal a lack of capacity to manage the large-scale changes needed for cities and villages to adapt effectively to climate-related risks, such as natural disasters and wildfires. It also raises broader questions about territorial planning, whether housing for all can be adequately addressed, and why an existing effective policy—covering a relatively small area that attracts millions of tourists—should be undermined, especially when many other regions in France remain underdeveloped and in need of ecological transformation. Beauty in architecture is not dictated by opinions or rules, but by the convergence of sensitivities and thoughtful design. In architecture, it is closely tied to function, durability, and the specific needs and resources of a region. The French Building Architects aim to work in collaboration with local officials, project owners, and residents. As climate change intensifies and extreme weather becomes more common, understanding and adapting built and natural environments becomes an ecological, cultural, and artistic necessity, as well as a scientific and technical one. Catherine Jacquot, President of the Academy of Architecture, emphasized that without thoughtful planning, past mistakes in territorial development could be repeated, distorting large parts of the country. She highlighted that the palimpsest of history—written in both classified heritage and everyday expressions of ancient ways of life—offers valuable lessons. By transforming these with expert knowledge, they can become a source of innovation for the future.