- Project : New Sustainable Market Square
- Year : 2012
- Location : Driss El Jay Avenue, Casablanca, Morocco
- Organizer : AC-CA
- Status : Competition
- Site Area : 790 sqm
- Project Area : 475 sqm
Concept:
The intention behind this
project is to propose the idea of interlocking. This principle can be applied on all scales: Urban,
Structural and Programmatic.
Context:
The site is characterized
by complex and heterogenic urban tissue.
A compact interlocked figure can serve as a
suture that brings together the torn elements of the urban context.
The iconic
vaulted form give the market visibility.
Structure:
Every construction unit is composed of a roof
of self-supporting framework that rests on 2 rows of columns.The whole structure is made of
identical interlocked timber beams.
Sustainability:
A combination of
two systems known for centuries:
First, the “Bedouin black tent” which has a simple and
powerful air cooling performance.
Second,
the “Self supporting framework”- a simple and rapid construction system with a
great reuse potential. Moreover, the market has a rainwater collection system.
Flexibility
When the
market is not in session, the plywood furniture (stalls and kiosks) can be easily taken away and the space can be
adapted to other uses.
Lightness
The
project is made of timber and is covered with textile.
Lightness
and quickness are a considerable source of economy.
Casablanca, Morocco |
Site location |
Urban interlocking / situation plan / scale 1:1000 |
The New Market Square |
Bedouin black tent reference |
Bedouin tent section sketch |
Project section sketch |
The Market Square front view on Driss El Jay avenue |
Structure interlocking - self supporting framework / timber model scale 1:4 / the timber beams can be reused |
black textile cover detail |
Program interlocking |
ground floor plan |
The Sustainable Market Square situated on Driss El Jay avenue |
The space can be adapted to other uses when the market is not in session |
The pedestrian passage along the existing wall is an extension of the curved Choukroum street |