THE CONTEXT « The Medina of Fez constitutes an outstanding example of a medieval town created during the very first centuries of Islamisation of Morocco and presenting an original type of human settlement and traditional occupation of the land representative of Moroccan urban culture over a long historical period. The Medina of Fez bears a living witness to a flourishing city of the eastern Mediterranean having exercised considerable influence on the development of architecture, monumental arts and town-planning, notably in North Africa, Andalousia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fez Jedid (the new town), was inspired from the earlier town planning model of Marrakesh».
THE PROJECT «The rehabilitation of the four Caravansérails of the Fez Medina is a multidisciplinary endeavor that is equal parts urban design, restoration, and landscape. Focusing specifically on the city’s copperwork industry, the project tackles the morphology, the physical displacement, and the environmental impact associated with this artisanal activity. Through the rehabilitation of structures dating from the 14th - 17th century as well as the construction of a new building, the project aims to restructure the contemporary practice of copperwork in Fez. At the same time, OUALALOU+CHOI piloted the restructuring of the Place Lalla Ydouna, the principal entry to the Fez Medina. This 25.000m² plaza housing artisanal and industrial functions will soon welcome cultural and touristic activities».
