“Respecting the vibrant and dynamic culture by adopting a community-driven approach” – Holcim Awards Jury

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    Project entry 2005 - Socioeconomic equipment in a mountain village, Tamtarga, Morocco.

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    Holcim Awards Gold 2005 - Africa Middle East (l-r): Javier de Benito, Area Manager, Holcim Group Support (Zurich) Ltd; Urs Bieri, Deputy Chairman, Holcim Foundation; Abdelrhni Fenjiro (winner), architect, Agence d’architecture et d’urbanism Fenjiro Adbelrhni, Rabat, Morocco; Hicham Agyo (winner), École Nationale D’Architecture (ENA) de Rabat; Kamal Arifi, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in South Africa; Dominique Drouet, CEO, Holcim Morocco

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    Holcim Award Gold 2005 - Africa Middle East - at the media briefing. Abdelrhni Fenjiro, architect, Agence d’architecture et d’urbanism Fenjiro Adbelrhni, Rabat, Morocco

The project earns high distinction for its skillful engagement with a mountainous region that is isolated due to difficult terrain and lack of proper roads and communication infrastructure. Although operating in a context with extremely limited resources, the authors are commended for respecting the vibrant and dynamic culture by adopting a community-driven approach towards the development of both the functional program as well as generation of the design solution.

Last updated: July 21, 2005 Johannesburg, South Africa

The work is consequent in promoting an appropriate design language in terms of the designated forms, materials, and construction technology. Decisions were driven by sensitive responses to indigenous material resources, locally available means of implementation, acculturated competences, as well as aspirations of the native population rather than imposing ideals of the design team. This evidences a high degree of ecological and social sensibility that is to be applauded.

The work is also merited for precision in selecting the site, as is the use of raw earth for construction that minimizes costly structural requirements. Strong partnerships (especially with the government’s Social Development Agency) also insure the feasibility of such an undertaking, one that promises to greatly improve the overall quality of life.