Jacques Majorelle School in Benguerir / ZArchitecture StudioSave this picture! Omar TajmouatiSchoolsBen Guerir, MoroccoArchitects: ZArchitecture StudioAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:6110 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Omar Tajmouati Lead Architect: Zineb Ajebbar More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The Jacques Majorelle School in Benguerir's Green City embodies a climate-sensitive approach to educational design, executed through a collaborativepartnership between Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and OSUI, the Moroccan branch of the French Secular Mission. With an ambitious one-year timelinefrom concept to completion, the project responds to a rapidly expanding community while integrating phased flexibility to accommodate future growth.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Design Inspiration and Key Concepts: Inspired by the traditional Moroccan approach to educational architecture, the design focuses on courtyards as multifunctional spaces for natural ventilation,visual continuity, and communal engagement. These light-filled patios form buffer zones between age-specific zones, serving as shaded areas essential to boththe user experience and the building's environmental performance. A "comb-like" spatial layout shapes each section of the school, ensuring that spaces fordifferent age groups are clearly delineated yet integrated within the overall site organization.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Challenges and Project Timeline: The accelerated one-year timeline posed challenges in balancing speed and quality. To maintain the schedule, the team leveraged local materials and adapteddesign strategies to fit resource availability. The phased development plan required a seamless transition between Phase 1, dedicated to early education, andPhase 2, which will introduce secondary school facilities. Achieving fluid circulation and a cohesive layout across distinct zones was essential to meet thefunctional demands of a multi-level educational institution.Save this picture!Save this picture!Construction Techniques and Materials:The structure is primarily composed of reinforced concrete, chosen for its durability and ability to streamline construction on a tight timeline. Locally sourced stoneand natural finishes highlight the project's connection to its Moroccan context, while shaded walkways and lightweight roofing over playgrounds mitigatetemperature extremes, reducing heat gain and enhancing user comfort. These design choices were made to promote a balanced and comfortable microclimatewithin the campus, ideal for fostering focused learning environments.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Spatial Organization and Urban Integration:The site is organized into two main zones: educational buildings that front the main road, with shared facilities such as sports fields and the cafeteria positionedtowards the rear. Phase 1 accommodates kindergarten and elementary students, supported by administrative offices and a multi-functional EnvironmentalKnowledge and Culture Center. Phase 2 will add secondary education facilities and a gymnasium, allowing for phased expansion while centralizing access toshared amenities. The "comb" arrangement of buildings is oriented to facilitate safe circulation, with ground-floor classrooms connected by shaded walkways andcovered outdoor play areas.Save this picture!Save this picture!A Modern Educational Landmark:The Jacques Majorelle School represents a forward-looking model for educational architecture within Morocco. With its phased design and climate-adaptivefeatures, the project meets the community's evolving needs while establishing a distinct architectural identity that harmonizes with Benguerir's Green City landscape. Combining functionality, adaptability, and respect for local tradition, the project stands as a contemporary landmark within the region's educationalinfrastructure.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Ben Guerir, MoroccoLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeZArchitecture StudioOfficePublished on December 30, 2024Cite: "Jacques Majorelle School in Benguerir / ZArchitecture Studio" 30 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025105/jacques-majorelle-school-in-benguerir-zarchitecture-studio&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream