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Rabat – Morocco’s Issy valley improvement project today was shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture with the prospect of winning one of the largest architecture prizes, and $1 million in prize money.
Located in Ait Mansour, south of Tafraouate, the Issy project was developed by Moroccan architect Salima Naji for the Touristic Development Society of Souss-Massa.
The government-sponsored hydro-agricultural project worked on improving trails and facilities for rural tourists, as well as developing palm orchards and water reservoirs.
Photo: Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Amine Houari
The architectural project used traditional techniques and materials and local labor from the 2,500 residents of the valley to install lighting, benches, toilet facilities, and signage.
“All of the interventions are minimal and seek to be “invisible” within the existing landscape and settlements,” said Naji.
The Issy valley project was the only Moroccan project shortlisted by the award’s master jury this year. The jury members specialize in modern architecture, planning, and the preservation of heritage.
A total of 20 projects were chosen from a pool of 463 projects for the 2020-2022 award cycle. The projects have served communities in numerous countries including Bahrain, India, Lebanon, Niger, Palestine, and Turkey.
Initiated in 1977, the Aga Khan award for architecture celebrates projects that meet the social, economic, and cultural demands of Muslim communities.
This year’s selections will be displayed in King’s Cross, London from June 2 to 30 in parallel with the London Architecture Festival.
Photo: Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Amine Houari
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Following today’s announcement, the Issy valley project joined a list of 10 Moroccan architecture projects that were previously shortlisted for the Aga Khan award, five of whom won the contest.
The architect of the Issy Valley Salima Naji was previously featured in the award. Her project on the preservation of sacred and collective oasis sites in the Guelmim region saw her shortlisted for the 2011-2013 cycle.
The decade-long work included more than 400 projects implemented across the southern region.
Photo: Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Amine Houari
Along with the Guelmim projects, two other Moroccan initiatives were shortlisted for the award for the 2011-2013 cycle including the award recipient, the Hassan II bridge in Rabat and Sale’s shortlisted Mohammed VI Football Academy.
The award recipients included two housing complexes; Dar Lamane Housing in Casablanca and Courtyard Houses in Agadir. The third recipient was the restoration and conservation project of Asilah which received the award for the 1987-1989 cycle.
The remaining two projects were the Ait Iktel community development project in Abadou for the 1999-2001 cycle and the Hassan II Bridge for the 2011-2013 cycle.
