The winner of the International Design Project Competition for the Rehabilitation of Place Lalla Yeddouna in the Medina of Fez, Morocco has been unveiled: Mossessian & Partners from London, UK.
The aim of the project is to revitalize Place Lalla Yeddouna, a public square and surrounding buildings at a central crossroads in the Medina of Fez, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The key objective is to revitalize the site and its surroundings, adapting modern distinctive architecture into an area that is full of tradition, vibrancy and functional diversity. Physically the site comprises small alleyways, a nicely shaped square with a tree, a river, a bridge dating from the 14th and 15th Century, some dilapidated buildings that will be replaced and others that are historically and architecturally significant and will be rehabilitated.
In the future, the area of Place Lalla Yeddouna shall serve as a vibrant mixed-use urban hub for the community as well as visitors to the Medina. The site is expected to become a major catalyst for artisan development, with spaces for educational programs, residences, artisan production, shops, restaurants, cafes and other services. The new complex must support activities for youth and adults.
1st prize (USD 55,000):
Mossessian & Partners, London/UK (Author: Michel Mossessian)
with Yassir Khalil Studio, Casablanca/Morocco (Author: Yassir Khalil)
2nd prize (USD 40,000):
Ferretti-Marcelloni, Rome/Italy (Authors: Laura Valeria Ferretti, Maurizio Marcelloni, Valeria Botti, Sveva Brunetti, Filippo De Dominicis, Benedetta Di Donato, Matthieu Gabay, Lorenzo Senni)
with Bahia Nouh, Fez/Morocco (Author: Bahia Nouh)
3rd prize (USD 25,000):
Moxon Architects, London/UK (Author: Ben Addy)
with Aime Kakon, Casablanca/Morocco (Author: Aime Kakon)
The other 5 finalists of Phase 2 of the competition were also commended for their participation in the competition and their meritorious designs. See the image gallery below.
An exhibition of all design proposals of both phases opened at the Palais des Congrès in Fez last Sunday and will run until Wednesday, March 30, 2011. The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm and is free of charge.
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