Preservation of Oasis Sites, Guelmim Region Buildings, Morocco Project, Moroccan Architecture

Preservation of Sacred and Collective Oasis Sites, Morocco

Traditional Moroccan Building Development design by Salima Naji architect

25 Jun 2013

Preservation of Sacred and Collective Oasis Sites

Design: Salima Naji

Location: Guelmim Region, Morocco

Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco
photo : Cemal Emden

Moroccan Oasis Sites

For the last decade Salima Naji, trained as an architect and anthropologist, has worked to save the heritage of several oasis towns in the anti-Atlas mountains of Morocco. This ambitious undertaking involves four sites that range in scale from communal granaries to partially abandoned fortified towns.

Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco
photographs : Cemal Emden

Naji has carried out the work with skilled masons and unskilled workmen, whom she has trained in traditional building techniques and who go on to apply their skills at other sites. Architecture and public spaces have been conserved not only for their historic value, but as locally rooted, sustainable models for contemporary building.

Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco
photos : Cemal Emden

Throughout, Naji has encouraged a participatory process with new and traditional community groups and actors. Her work provides an alternative model for conservation in Morocco: one that insists on maintaining the link between local communities and their historic environments.

Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco
photo : David Goeury

Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco
image from architect

Preservation of Oasis Sites – Building Information

Location: Guelmim Region, Morocco (Africa)
Architect: Salima Naji, Kénitra, Morocco
Client: Agence pour le Développement des Provinces du Sud, Cooperazione Internationale Sud Sud
Completed: 2011 ongoing
Design: 2003-2008
Site size: 3 ha

Preservation of Oasis Sites Morocco images / information from Aga Khan Development Network

Location: Guelmim Region, Morocco, North Africa

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Comments / photos for the Preservation of Oasis SitesMorocco Architecture page welcome

Website: www.akdn.org/architecture/project.asp?id=4327 – Aga Khan Award for Architecture project page