Place Lalla Yeddouna Completed and Operational
Project successfully completed and fully operational in the heart of Fez’s UNESCO World Heritage medina
Place Lalla Yeddouna Completed and Operational
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Place Lalla Yeddouna in Morocco - Project Update June 2019
The programme is located in the historical meeting and trading point of the Medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s oldest and largest medina. Image: Copyright © Rebecca Dalzell.
Last updated: June 01, 2019 Fes, Morocco
Completed in 2019, the 7,400 m² redevelopment revitalised a historically significant urban precinct through a thoughtful blend of conservation and contemporary intervention. Eleven historic buildings were restored, while eight non-significant structures were reconstructed to better serve modern use. Central to the transformation was the rehabilitation of the 12th-century Bin Lamdoun Bridge and the reconnection of the riverfront—once neglected—as a central element of urban life.
The site now functions as a vibrant mixed-use hub supporting over 50,000 master artisans and students. It includes artisan workshops, educational spaces, restaurants, cafés, and public courtyards, all designed to stimulate economic activity and cultural exchange. Inspired by traditional Moroccan architectural principles, particularly the riad, the design integrates courtyards, local materials, and passive cooling techniques to create a sustainable and contextually grounded urban environment.
Place Lalla Yeddouna is now recognised as a model for heritage-led urban regeneration and continues to serve as a catalyst for artisan development and community cohesion in Fez.