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.

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. 

Fez River

Urbaninform is a non-profit association which collects together architectural and urban design projects for cities of the future. One such project was about the highly polluted Fez River - so take a look here!