Rabat – Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni has been recognized for her innovative approach to disaster relief with a prestigious design award.
The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) announced on Wednesday that Chaouni’s design office, Aziza Chaouni Projects (ACP), had won in the Impact category for a prototype of a sustainable, earthquake-proof house.
Developed in response to the devastating Al Haouz earthquake that struck Morocco in September 2023, Chaouni’s project showcases the power of design to address pressing humanitarian needs.
The prototype house, constructed using compressed earth bricks, is designed to be durable, affordable, and easily replicable in disaster-affected areas.
“The project we submitted is a prototype house made of compressed earth bricks, intended for people who have been affected by the earthquake,” Chaouni explained. “It’s designed to be comfortable, safe, and buildable on a small budget.”
Beyond its structural integrity, the prototype house also incorporates sustainable features such as wastewater treatment and recycling.
Chaouni’s team worked closely with local communities, including children, women, men, and young people, to ensure that the design met their specific needs and incorporated traditional building techniques.
“The tragic earthquake breathed an unprecedented wind of solidarity across our Kingdom, and this sustainable house is the fruit of it,” Chaouni said. “We believe that architecture can play a vital role in social and civic action.”
Building on the success of the prototype, Chaouni’s team is now working on a new project in Haouz called “la maison des étoiles.”
The project is supported by the local NGO Amal Biladi. It aims to create a community center for children and young people from the village of Tajgalt, which was also affected by the earthquake.
Aziza Chaouni, who is also an Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Toronto, founded her design office in 2011.
Her firm specializes in sustainable architecture, landscape, urban design, and construction, with a focus on projects that are rooted in local culture and tradition.
The Design Prize of the Arab World Institute, established in 2023, aims to recognize emerging and established designers from the Arab world for their innovative work.
The competition honors designers in categories such as Emerging Talent, Confirmed Talent, Impact Award, and the Jury Prize.
