This week, the Arab World Institute (AWI) unveiled the winners of its 2024 Design Awards during a gala. Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni was recognized for her innovative project, a « sustainable earthquake-resistant house, » developed by her firm, Aziza Chaouni Projects (ACP).
This prototype, designed in response to the Al Haouz earthquake, earned Chaouni the award in the « Impact » category. Her team was praised for creating a house made from compressed earth bricks that is both sustainable and earthquake-resistant, providing quick, affordable, and safe housing solutions for those affected by the disaster. “This project aims to offer decent, comfortable, and secure homes that are fast and affordable to build,” Chaouni explained during the event.
Visibly moved, Chaouni dedicated the award to the victims of the September 8, 2023 earthquake and to the volunteers involved in realizing the project. She also highlighted the collaboration with Moroccan authorities and the active participation of the community in Taalat N’Yacoub, one of the affected areas. This cooperation allowed them to blend local construction techniques with a co-design process that involved the entire community, including children, women, and youth.
The result of this collective effort is a modular house with three courtyards, built from lego-style compressed earth bricks and mortarless vaults. The house not only meets seismic standards but also includes a wastewater treatment and recycling system. Chaouni praised the outcome, emphasizing that the house symbolizes the unprecedented solidarity triggered by the tragic event.
Her team is now working on a new project in the Al Haouz region, named « The House of Stars, » supported by the local NGO Amal Biladi. This initiative will serve as a community center for the children and youth of the village of Tajgalt, also affected by the earthquake.
In addition to her architectural work, Aziza Chaouni is an associate professor of architecture at the University of Toronto. She founded her multidisciplinary firm in 2011, focusing on sustainable architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. Based in Fez, Aziza Chaouni Projects has been recognized for projects that combine historical rehabilitation, material reuse, and new construction, always in collaboration with local artisans.
The Arab World Institute Design Award, launched in 2023, celebrates emerging and established talents from the Arab world in various design disciplines. The second edition of the prize, chaired by Lebanese designer Nada Debs, recognized creators in categories such as « Emerging Talent, » « Established Talent, » and « Impact, » along with a Jury Prize. The winners’ and finalists’ works are on display at the AWI until September 15, showcasing their contributions to innovation and creativity in the Arab world.
