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Rabat – The National Council of the Order of Architects (CNOA) organized the 39th National Architect’s Day today in Fez in partnership with the Ministry of National Territory Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy.
Organized under the theme “The Citizen Architect Facing Climate Change: Issues of Energy and Water,” the gathering brings together professionals and policymakers to discuss sustainable solutions for Morocco’s future construction projects.
Held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the conference comes at a time when the country faces extended droughts and water shortages, focusing on architects‘ role in tackling climate change.
Speaking at the conference, the Wali of Fez-Meknes, Mouaad Jamai, said that this day will be an opportunity to reflect and provide a platform for exchanges around climate challenge-related issues and the scarcity of water resources.
The conference’s theme is highly topical as it challenged citizens, professionals, and public and private players to rethink urban strategies in this dire time of soaring climate change, he added.
Jamai noted the event’s significance in reinterpreting classic notions such as nature and resources, including biodiversity and ecosystems, but also tackling recent practices such as agroecology and sustainable cities.
Meanwhile, the occasion is also an opportunity to explore other architectural strategies aimed at strengthening the resilience of buildings and the sustainable development of cities.
The 39th National Architect’s Day highlighted the city’s ambitious urban development strategy that bridges its historic heritage with modern sustainability challenges.
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Focusing on architects’ role in addressing climate change, the event revealed plans for transforming Fez’s ancient medina into the world’s first “Green Medina,” powered entirely by renewable energy.
This initiative includes a 90-hectare solar panel installation project led by an American consortium, demonstrating the city’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
The Wali spoke of his ambitions to have a major urban development project. Called the “Valley of Knowledge,” the project aims to connect the world’s oldest university with Morocco’s largest modern university campus, housing 170,000 students.
It also seeks to eliminate the current urban divide while preserving the city’s architectural heritage.
The Wali further outlined developments that will incorporate traditional water management systems. Inspiring these developments are the medina’s historic network of 3,200 fountains and sophisticated water distribution system, which adapt ancient architectural wisdom to meet contemporary environmental challenges.
As Morocco prepares to host both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, the Wali noted, Fez also has plans to develop new tourist infrastructure, including 1,900 high-end hotel rooms.
He concluded by describing today’s conference, which brought together experts to address one of the country’s most pressing challenges, as marking a significant step in Morocco’s commitment to sustainable architecture and environmental protection.
