Casablanca – The Young Moroccan Architecture Awards (YMAA) unveiled the nominees for its third edition on Thursday, selecting 52 projects from 168 applications across several categories.
Organized by Archimedia Group and sponsored by Rocca, the competition recognizes Moroccan architectural talent and gives architects a platform to present their work.
This year’s selection covers a wide range of fields, including leisure and tourism, individual housing, Moroccan architects working internationally, and renovation and rehabilitation, among other categories.
Student talent also features prominently, with 12 end-of-study projects earning nominations.
‘A place steeped in history’
The announcement took place at the Ateliers Vincent Timsit, designed by architect Jean-François Zevaco.
The historic building provided more than a backdrop for the evening. Guests explored its different floors, where the organizers presented the nominees by category and dedicated a separate space to Rocca’s history.
Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN) during the event, Fatima-Zahra Akalay, CEO of Archimedia Group and co-founder of YMAA, explained that the competition seeks to recognize emerging Moroccan architectural talent and give young architects a platform to present their work.
Akalay also reflected on the significance of the venue, describing it as “a place steeped in history” where the awards could make a little history of their own.
Moroccan architect and visual artist Fatima-Zahra Morjani discussed the competition’s role in encouraging young architects to develop their skills and contribute to Morocco’s architectural landscape.
As a jury member, she also encouraged young architects to seek guidance from more experienced professionals as they build their skills and careers.
Giving Moroccan architecture a platform
Beyond recognizing individual projects, YMAA creates a space for architects at different stages of their careers to share their ideas and gain visibility.
The inclusion of student projects also gives emerging talent an opportunity to introduce its work to a wider professional audience.
The competition places Morocco’s architectural scene in the spotlight while encouraging conversations between established professionals and the next generation.
From residential design to renovation and international projects, the nominations reflect the range of work shaping Moroccan architecture today.
