International Architecture Competition in Morocco

From August 19 to October 15, 2010 there can be hand in suggestions for an international, open architecture competition in Fez Medina, Morocco. The key objective for the square and its surroundings is to carefully restore the valuable existing buildings and to adapt modern distinctive architecture into an area that is full of tradition, vibrancy and functionally diverse.

As a component of the Artisan and Fez Medina project “L’Agence du Partenariat pour le Progrès” (APP), with its implementing partner, the “Agence pour le Développement et la Réhabilitation de la Ville de Fes” (ADER‐Fès), is launching a competition for the re-design of a site in the Medina of Fez, Morocco, known as Place Lalla Yeddouna. This project is implemented in liaison with the “Secrétariat d‘État chargé de l’Artisanat”, the “Wilaya de la Région Fès Boulemane”, and the “Commune urbaine Méchouar Fès Jdid”.

The key objective for the square (Place Lalla Yeddouna) and its surroundings is to carefully restore the valuable existing buildings and to adapt modern distinctive architecture into an area that is full of tradition, vibrancy and functionally perse. The neighborhood of Place Lalla Yeddouna is located in the Medina of Fez, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage since 1981. Place Lalla Yeddouna is a strategic location at the nucleus of this oldest part of Fez. The Medina is a mosaic of small-scale, modest, sandcolored houses, and its endless labyrinth of narrow streets.

The area is a center for traditional handicrafts, mainly tanners, copper- and brassmiths. The competition site covers an area of approximately 7,400 sqm. It consists of building entities that encircle an open central square, Place Lalla Yeddouna.

With its rehabilitation, the area of Place Lalla Yeddouna will become a vibrant mixed-use urban hub for the community as well as for visitors to the Medina. The site is expected to become a major catalyst for artisan development, with spaces for educational programs, residences, artisan production, shops, restaurants, cafes and other services. The new complex must support activities for youth and adults.

The competition is an international open project competition in two phases according to the regulations of the UIA (Union Internationale des Architectes). It is open to architects and urban planners in liaison with architects worldwide, attracting the maximum number of
qualified professionals. The competition rules are in accordance with the UNESCO Standard Regulations for international competitions in architecture and town planning, as well as the UIA Guide for International Competitions in Architecture and Town Planning published by the “Union Internationale des Architectes” (UIA).

Key Dates
Registration period: August 19, 2010 to October 15, 2010
Design period 1: September 20, 2010 to November 8, 2010
Jury Meeting phase 1: Mid December, 2010
Design period 2: December 20, 2010 to February 14, 2011
Final jury meeting: Mid March 2011