Building on the resounding success of their first two editions, the Young Moroccan Architecture Awards (YMAA) proudly announce the official launch of their third chapter. Organized by the Archimedia Group under the high patronage of the Ministry of National Territory Planning, Land Planning, Housing and City Policy, this new edition will once again celebrate the creative vitality and singular audacity of Morocco’s emerging architectural scene. A pioneer and leading voice in architecture and construction media across Africa, the Archimedia Group has shaped this competition into a true springboard, dedicated to revealing and propelling the rising talents who are redefining the contours of the Kingdom’s contemporary landscape. Over the years, the YMAA have established themselves as an essential crossroads—a showcase of excellence for architects under 45—while elevating Moroccan contemporary architecture onto the global stage.
A PLATFORM FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL VANGUARD
Conceived as a showcase of excellence, the Young Moroccan Architecture Awards highlight the most innovative projects led by Morocco’s new generation of architects. By offering a platform for expression, visibility, and dialogue, they foster exchange among professionals, stimulate reflection on contemporary practices, and encourage the emergence of new architectural languages. At the intersection of urban, environmental, and societal challenges, the YMAA support a generation poised to reinvent how we inhabit, build, and conceive territories. By celebrating these achievements and amplifying their visibility, they create a privileged meeting ground for architects, institutions, developers, industrial stakeholders, and key players across the construction sector.
AN EXCEPTIONAL JURY FOR A RIGOROUS AND COMMITTED PERSPECTIVE
To determine the roll of honor of this third edition, submissions will be evaluated by a distinguished jury composed of eminent figures from architecture, design, and construction. This exceptional panel will be chaired by Abdou Lahlou, alongside renowned personalities including Chakib Benabdallah, Madison Cox, Fodé Diop, Ahmed Laaroussi, Fatime-Zahra Morjani, Tarik Oualalou, Joris Pauwels, Manal Rachdi, and Christoph Röttinger. Drawing on their expertise and discerning perspectives, the jury will undertake the inspiring mission of identifying the most impactful and visionary projects—true manifestos of Morocco’s emerging creative force.
A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF CATEGORIES AND SPECIAL DISTINCTIONS
In order to capture the full richness and diversity of contemporary practices, the third edition of the YMAA will feature an extensive range of 19 categories. The awards will honor human-centric spaces—from healthcare and well-being to education—while highlighting the ingenuity of living environments through individual housing, private residences, and collective housing projects. Economic and recreational dynamics will be celebrated across retail, commercial architecture, tourism, and leisure. Furthermore, an attention to heritage and detail will be rewarded through prizes for interior design, renovation, and rehabilitation. These are complemented by the structural prowess of office buildings, the founding audacity of the “First Work,” and the singular vision of the Architect-Designer of the Year. To honor boundary-pushing creativity and academic excellence, prizes will also be awarded in an open category, alongside distinctions for the best graduation projects. This year, the YMAA enrich their repertoire with three new categories: Landscape Architecture, Moroccan Architects Abroad, and Young African Architects. Beyond these categories, four supreme distinctions will crown architectural achievements of exceptional stature: Building of the Year, the Jury Prize, the Public Favorite Award, and the illustrious Fouad Akalay Prize, dedicated to the memory of the YMAA’s visionary founder.
A FESTIVE SYMPOSIUM CELEBRATING MOROCCAN ARCHITECTURAL GENIUS
With each edition celebrating a new generation of architects, the YMAA pursue a clear ambition: to foster innovation and contribute to the enduring influence of Moroccan architecture. This third act unfolds in profound tribute to the enlightened vision of the late Fouad Akalay, a fervent advocate of Moroccan contemporary architecture and a patron of those who shape it. Today more than ever, the YMAA stand as a sanctuary of recognition, a bridge of intergenerational transmission, and a space for open dialogue—steadfastly devoted to an architecture imbued with meaning, identity, and promise for the future.
Bold architects, design enthusiasts, and avant-garde spirits: join this movement of renewal. Immerse yourself in excellence, dare to compete, and come celebrate with us the builders of Morocco’s future!
More information here.
