Phase 01: PRECEDENT SCOPING

Project Title: ATBAT Morocco Housing

Architects: George Candilis-Alexis Josic-Shadrach Woods

Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Date: 1953

Project Context

ATBAT-Afrique (Atelier des Bâtisseurs), Carrieres Centrales, represents a multitude of modernist housing aimed towards Muslim communities in Casablanca, Morocco which were close to the “Cite Horizontale.” The concept, dubbed “Cite Vertical,” was developed to break the monotony while combating gigantism and humanizing the habitat with “culturally specific” dwelling typology derived from Moroccan vernacular architecture. Moroccan traditional residences were often the courtyard or patio type, with all decorations centered inside and modest windows that allow one to gaze out without being seen. The idea was to combine the general character of low-cost, mass-produced building elements with distinct individual identity for each living unit.

Spatial Strategy

The project consisted of three mid-rise buildings, arranged in a loose U-shape. It drew heavily on earlier Muslim typologies on layouts of three structures. The 35 square meter usable area was divided into two indoor rooms and a walled outside space with a cooking area and sanitation facilities. The project expresses a habitat approach to architecture, which includes a thorough examination of the complex interplay between the private and public domains, as well as between architecture and urban scales.

Function

The hot and dry climate permits the most use of the patio for public function throughout the year. In contradiction, this projects includes patio as a private space and develops the concept of ‘Alleys-in-the-air’ and ‘redents’ from vernacular moroccon streets to function as a socializing spaces with the alteration of dwelling units. Double height patios give the impression of solitude from the outside denoting intimacy.

Façade Concept

The façade concept is characterized by dynamic expression with solids and voids. In Nid D’ Abeille, the honeycomb pattern rhythmically repeats rectangular shapes jutting from the surface. The façade is emphasized by color scheme walls which possess individual identity and expression.

The vernacularity was conceptualized “culturally specific” dwelling typology derived from Moroccan vernacular architecture. Moroccan traditional residences were often of the courtyard or patio type, with all decorations centered inside and modest windows that allow one to gaze out without being seen. These architectural expressions were rep- resented in ATBAT Morocco Housing with the idea of an alley-patio-dwelling concept. This gave a new dimension to the vernacular architecture of Morocco. The idea of transition between private and public domain regulated by galleries and patios relating to the concept of the public & the private realm in the traditional Moroccan Kasbah.

Both buildings express similar features in planning through alley-patio-dwelling as seen in the figure. The idea of stacking patios in alternating manner, literally suspended in the air can be seen.

The façade concept is characterized by dynamic expression with mass and void. In the facade, individual identity of single dwelling units is emphasized by the introduction of color schemes.