Casablanca

International Architecture Competition 2012

  • 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