African project
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University – Morocco
Following
a rich
tradition
As a result of an international competition, the OCP Group,
a global leader in phosphates extraction and transformation,
commissioned in 2011 the design of the campus for the
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University to Ricardo Bofill Taller De
Arquitectura.
E
xtending over approximately 55 hectares, the Campus for
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is the milestone of
the ambitious scheme for the Mohammed VI Green City,
a sustainable development in Benguerir, 50 miles north of
Marrakech.
The FAR and the height limit (21 metres) called for
a rational, compact composition. The geometrically
organized masterplan proposed by RBTA is defined by
narrow streets, squares and a central axis. The scheme
encourages pedestrian circulation, while the courtyards, gardens
and semi-covered streets bring together students and teachers, thus
promoting intellectual and social exchange, and strengthening the
sense of community.
With residential clusters and facilities on both sides, the central
pedestrian area is the backbone of the project. This main artery
gathers the daily activities both for teachers and students. The urban
character of the design contributes to consolidate the campus as a
strong magnet. With a grid that perfectly integrates within the Green
City, this concept guarantees permanent exchange between campus
users and with the city and its future extension towards the east. This
regular urban grid provides development flexibility, and can easily
evolve to ensure the expansion of the whole functional program.
The first phase of development faces avenue Mohamed VI. The rest of
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africandesignmagazine.com