On Wednesday evening, the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) announced the winners of its 2024 Design Award, including Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni, who was recognized for a prototype of a «sustainable earthquake-proof house» developed by her design office. Chaouni's project, conceived in the aftermath of the Al Haouz earthquake, was awarded in the impact category for its demonstration of «the ability to produce and develop projects through social and economic involvement». «The project we submitted for this award is a prototype house made of compressed earth bricks, durable and earthquake-proof, intended for people affected by the earthquake to regain dignified, comfortable, and safe housing», Chaouni explained in a message read on her behalf at the award ceremony. She expressed her honor at receiving the award, dedicating it to all the victims of the September 8, 2023, earthquake and the volunteers who worked on the project. The prototype, developed in collaboration with Moroccan authorities, involved a process of research into local vernacular construction techniques and co-design with the affected population of the small village of Taalat N'Yacoub. The result is «an evolving 3-course house, built of compressed lego mud bricks and vaulted without the use of mortar, which treats and recycles its wastewater», Chaouni enthused. «The tragic earthquake inspired an unprecedented wave of solidarity across our Kingdom, and this sustainable house is a testament to that», added Chaouni, who views architectural practice as a social and civic undertaking. Her team is currently working on transferring the lessons learned from the prototype house to a new project in Haouz. Called «la maison des étoiles», this project, supported by the local NGO Amal Biladi, aims to be a community center for children and young people from the village of Tajgalt, which was also affected by the earthquake. Aziza Chaouni, also an Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Toronto, founded her multidisciplinary design office in 2011. Specializing in sustainable architecture, landscape, urban design, and construction, Aziza Chaouni Projects (based in Fez) has completed numerous projects, including historic rehabilitation, alternative reuse, and new construction, all developed in partnership with local artisans. Established in 2023, the Design Prize of the Arab World Institute aims to highlight emerging and established designers from the Arab world, showcasing their expertise, innovation, and creation of new materials. Chaired for its second edition by Lebanese designer Nada Debs, the competition honors designers from the Arab world in the categories of Emerging Talent, Confirmed Talent, Impact Award, and Jury Prize. An exhibition featuring the shortlisted candidates and winners will be held at the IMA until September 15.
