Medina Community Complex_Mariam Shaari

The new complex will support activities for youth and adults, expected to be an exemplary cultural site, economic stimulator and generator for the development of other projects in Fez, its region and Morocco. Aimed to refurbish and rebuild existing historic structures whilst providing a mixed use of urban spaces for the community as well as visitors to the Medina.

The concept of Restore and Rejuvenate is to restore the old existing building and rejuvenate the surrounding environment. The outline of the old building will be maintained but improved for the purpose of design to eliminate the need for a total demolition. The focus is also placed on the idea of encouraging local activities in the area and promoting the rejuvenation of social activities directly, and the nearby river indirectly. The outcome of the design is also aimed at the intention to preserve and promote comprehension of unique local cultures and activities.

Planwerk Innenstadt

Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment

Since 1996 an intensive and controverse debate had taken place concerning the question about the future goals of the urban development in Berlin. Finally in 1999, the so-called "Planwerk Innenstadt" was installed by the Senate of Berlin in order to define general principles for the urban planning of Berlin that are relevant for all boroughs. "Planwerk Innenstadt" forms a strategy for the urban development of the city of Berlin aiming at reurbanisation and revitalization of the historical center of Berlin as well as of the planning area "City-West".

The Changing Face of Park Hill

The Link: A Women's Refuge_Emily King

The Link: A Women's Refuge aims to aid victims of domestic violence and trafficking in Fez Medina. 14% of the female population of Morocco are believed to have experienced emotional or physical violence. It is now a problem which has been brought to the forefront of Moroccan society. The refuge provides accommodation for single, homeless women seeking safety and shelter as well as rooms for women with young children. Drop-in day facilities have been incorporated to create a community within the existing, disused courtyard houses. The proposal will help women to rebuild their lives and learn skills to help them find work to provide for their families in the future.

Remediating the River_Sam Morris

The city of Fez is located within one of Morocco’s most fertile valleys, the Medina is crossed by several watercourses and is well known for its hydraulic potential. Data reveals that the River Fez is relatively clean before reaching the medina and that contamination emerges from within. Given the importance of the Sebou river basin to Morocco’s agricultural sector and its overall economy, it is imperative that contamination be reduced at its source and strategies for remediation be implemented.

Hammam and Glass Workshop_Helen Flynn

Miniature glass domes are a key feature of the Hammam in Fez. These small objects, when clustered in a group and placed in small holes in the domed roof of the Hammam provide the correct environmental and privacy conditions for bathing. The bulbs allow light to penetrate the space, keep water and air from entering the space, which must remain warm and humid and also maintains privacy for the users. The craft of making these small glass domes has since disappeared from Fez, and as there is currently a movement to refurbish a number of Hammams to their former glory, the glass domes must be bought in from other cities or countries.

Artefacts of Andalus, Rue Guernis, Fes, Morocco_Benjamin Hale

It would sound strange in the 1970s if the term ‘post-impact conservation’ was mentioned, as far as conservation is concerned, this was when the median and the city of Fez as a whole saw it's greatest expansion with the influx of local immigrants into the medina. Broadly speaking, conservation signifies archeological preservation of valuable objects that may likely become extinct. Today, it goes beyond a mere celebration of an historical icon. The pressure of human needs in urban heritage sites has widened the scope of conservation in order to go in tandem with social and economic development. Conservationists came to realise that their task of scrutinising stones and cleaning surfaces is negatively affected by a dearth of funding. The pressing need of the people whose heritage is a living and not a static legacy is consequently dashed.

Twenty First Century Funduq_Rob Chilton

Having discovered the vital transitions that take place at Ain Azliten, between the Medina and the outside, it was essential to re-organise this currently chaotic space. A funduq is traditionally a place where travelling merchants would spend the night and store their wares. Here, the building forms a link between two contrasting landscapes. It includes flexible units, giving the opportunity to sell, work and store, providing excellent spaces for interchange to take place. A new 'street' takes inspiration from the intricate network of the medina, encouraging chance encounter and conversation.

Interposition: Contemporary living within a World Heritage City_Hannah Dyas

The chosen site; Rue Guernis, presented an opportunity to experiment with a contemporary scheme whilst respecting and maintaining some of the traditional qualities of the medina. The brief attempted to address the problem of providing accommodation within the medina which appeals to younger generation.

Peabody Avenue_Novelty in Favour of Longevity

A new social housing scheme in central London for Peabody marks a deliberate move away 

from novelty in favour of longevity.

Edible Fez_Sara Dowle

An immediate response to Place Lalla Yeddouna is its dynamic character and the constant flow of activity. Although the craftspeople give the square an element of identity and the stream of people is buzzing and incessant, the space can currently only be considered as a thoroughfare.

Restore & Reside_Bryn Lee

A centrally located reside for the homeless. Linked and accessed by the major arteries of the Fez Medina.

Remaining clusters in the site boundaries are linkable for future expansion of the homeless reside. When expansion occurs, similar architectural techniques seen in the following illustrations will be adopted.

Culture Tangle_Philippa Birch

A sympathetic bridging element between two existing courtyard houses providing different functions. This intervention is a meeting point and knowledge exchange between tourist (tourist information centre/cafe) and guide (a guide school for children aged 15+)  keeping clear of the thread makers working in the streets. It is a catalyst to encourage circulation above ground: rooftop walkways in the winter months. It also encourages a healthy attitude for future riad owners as they have a change to sample and learn about the culture. 

Video: David Chipperfield Discusses German Projects

British architect David Chipperfield recently gave an interview with Crane.tv discussing his architectural philosophy and affinity for the German culture. He expands on his approach to architecture and touches on his work for the completed reconstruction of the Neues Museum in Berlin.  Turner Contemporary – a visual arts venue in Margate, England, America’s Cup Building in Valencia, Spain, and the Central Public Library in Des Moines, Iowa.

Called the James Simon Gallery, the building will 
serve as a grand entrance to the cluster of cultural buildings, set on an island 
in the river Spree.