The Moroccan architectural scene is once again preparing to celebrate innovation and emerging creativity with the enthusiastic launch of the 2nd edition of the Young Moroccan Architecture Awards (YMAA). Launched on February 29, 2024, this prestigious call for entries aims to highlight the exceptional achievements of Moroccan architects under the age of 45. A distinguished jury of both national and international renowned architects will have the task of selecting the winners for this edition. The nominees will be announced on October 10 during a major event at the Sacré-Coeur Church in Casablanca. This evening will also feature a special tribute to Fouad Akalay, the visionary architect and founder of the YMAA, who recently passed away.
Morocco, a land of architectural traditions and innovations, will enthusiastically host the launch of the second edition of the Young Moroccan Architecture Awards (YMAA) in 2024. These prestigious awards, judged by a jury of renowned architects, will highlight the exceptional achievements designed by young national architects, all under the age of 45. The goal is to celebrate emerging creativity and emphasize excellence within the Moroccan architectural community.
AWARDS AND SELECTED JURY FOR THE YMAA 2024 EDITION
The most deserving young architects will be awarded in 16 different categories, with three special distinctions. Presided over by the eminent architect Mohamed Fikri Benabdallah, with Odile Decq, a leading French architect, as the guest of honor, the jury comprises renowned architects who will enrich the evaluation process:
Mohamed Fikri Benabdallah: Architect and jury president
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Odile Decq: Architect and honorary jury member
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Rachid Andaloussi: Architect, founder of Casa Mémoire
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Débora Giorgi: Architect, Director at the Florence School of Architecture
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Maria El Glaoui: Architect, Pedagogical Director at EAC
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Karim Hendili: Architect – UNESCO
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Driss Kettani: Architect
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Youssef Melehi: Architect
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Aziz Mennane: Architect and Vice-President of the CNOA
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Fayçal Sentissi: Architect
The selection process will take place in two stages. Mid-year, a nominees evening will reveal the finalist architects and projects in each category. Finally, on December 12, 2024, the YMAA Awards ceremony will take place, in the presence of the finalist architects, senior architects, institutional representatives, and personalities from the construction, arts, and culture sectors.
REGISTRATION
Registrations for YMAA 2024 have been open since February 29, 2024, and will continue until September 10, 2024, via the dedicated website: www.ymaa.ma. This innovative competition, the first of its kind in Africa and the MENA region, emphasizes the importance of youth and creativity in the Moroccan architectural scene. Thanks to strategic partnerships, this event will receive significant media coverage, propelling Morocco’s emerging architectural scene onto the global stage.