On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Young Moroccan Architecture Awards (YMAA) celebrated the creativity of Morocco’s vibrant young architectural scene by rewarding emerging talents during a memorable evening at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca. This event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and Urban Policy, underscored the significance of promoting architecture in Morocco.
THE AWARD CEREMONY
During this festive ceremony, 19 prizes and trophies were awarded to the finalist architects, highlighting the innovation and excellence of the new generation of Moroccan architects. The YMAA, organized by the Archimedia Group — the leading media dedicated to architecture and construction in Africa — aims to promote the emergence of Moroccan architects and the realization of their projects on a national and international scale. After the success of the first edition, this competition is experiencing renewed
enthusiasm this year.
The jury of this 2nd edition of the YMAA, chaired by architect Mohamed Fikri Benabdallah, perfectly illustrates the desire for transmission and generational renewal. Recognized for his insatiable commitment to young talents, he is a passionate defender of contemporary Moroccan architecture and dialogue between generations.
The YMAA also aims to promote constant improvement in architectural practice by encouraging constructive and enriching exchanges between professionals. By highlighting current achievements and providing a platform dedicated to the presentation of projects, this event allows for a better understanding of the challenges and solutions specific to each context. It also helps to refine perspectives, stimulate dialogue and develop a critical eye that is essential to the evolution of architecture.
The YMAA are part of a context where the practice of architecture in Morocco is oscillating in a progressive and regrettable weakening of the framework for exercising the profession. The jury, fully aware of the delicacy and harshness of this exercise, had to decide carefully. Some young architects did not try their luck this year, out of restraint or hesitation, while others, despite their participation, did not
their efforts rewarded. Competitions, by their very nature, are sensitive events: they reveal as much as they test, celebrate as much as they question. But beyond the result, the YMAA aims to be a space for dialogue and recognition, where the evaluation of projects is accompanied by a deeper reflection on the future of the profession and the challenges it faces.
THE YOUNG MOROCCAN ARCHITECTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The YMAA 2024 honored architectural excellence through 16 awards and 3 special distinctions across various categories, ranging from renovation to education, along with three prestigious distinctions :
Awards :
1. Zévaco Special Prize : Villa Ribat Bioclimatic in Rabat – Anas Koubaiti
2. Health and well-being : The Tulip Clinic in Casablanca – Mohamed Yahya El Alj, Noesis Architecture Studio
3. Education : The French International High School in Benguerir – Zineb Ajebbar
4. Individual residential real estate : “Hermitage” El Menzeh resort in Rabat – Sakina Belkasmi & Ahmed Amine Khiyati, All In Concept
5. Retail and commercial architecture : Ovillage shopping in Casablanca – Younes Diouri
6. Leisure and tourism : Socio-cultural center of Kenitra – AGA STUDIO
7. Interior design and decoration : School extension E1337, Khouribga – Sakina Belkasmi & Ahmed Amine Khiyati, All In Concept
8. Renovation and refurbishment : Foundouk Kabbaj in Marrakech – Rida Hbibi
9. Single-Family Home : Villa ID in Tangier – Younes Diouri
10. Office building : Headquarters of the Competition Council in Rabat – Adil Sadik and Camélia Dendane
11. Collective housing : Zig Zag building in Casablanca – YLA STUDIO
12. First work : Villa E/N in Marrakech – THE AKA’S – Architecture Kosmopolitan Agency
13. Design Architect of the Year : M’hammad Muffak
14. Out of category : Luxalight stand at SIB 2022, El Jadida – Samia Moukhalid
15. Best male PFE : “Returning the coastline” – Othmane Boudlal
16. Best female PFE : “Towards a new eco-district model adapted to the Moroccan context” – Rim Moussaoui
Distinctions :
1. Building of the Year : Villa Ribat Bioclimatic – Anas Koubaiti
2. Audience favorite : The Gateway to Laayoune – Yassine Benkirane
3. Prize Fouad Akalay : The Delacroix Residence in Rabat – Merouane Oussama Zouaoui
All results are online at : https://ymaa.ma/resultats-ymaa-2024/
