Spatial Identity X Morocco

spatial identity de-constructing elements

MOROCCO Report for Steve Leung Travel Fund Date: Jul 8th - 23rd, 2017

By Sarah Arifah EID Year 4 - 13073615D

1

contents Spatial Identity 5 Route 8 Major Expenses Report 9 Morocco x Spatial identity 16 Methodology 17 Moroccan Architectural Elements 18 Typologies 19

Special accknowledgement to Steve Leung Designers for sponsoring this trip.

Thank you for allowing students the opportunity to explore and experience the world outside our little bubble.

None of this would have been possible without you .

Rabat Assounna Ave Tachfin Mosque Mausoleum of Mohammed V Kasbah des Oudaias

29 31 37 43

Casablanca Hassan II Mosque

49 51

Marrakech Majorelle Garden AnaYela Medina of Marrakech Bahia Palace Saadian Tombs

61 63 67 77 85 93

Ouarzazate Taourirt Kasbah

99 101

Fes Medersa Bou Inania Fes Medina Fes Tanneries Karaouiyne

109 111 115 121 125

Chefchaouen Chefchaouen Old City Tangier Kasbah & Mosquee du Port

131 133 139 141

Reflection

147

Images Š Sarah Arifah 2017

3

spatial identity Generally the term refers to an overall sense of social space typical of a time, place or culture.

in brief: WHO WHAT WHERE HOW WHY

Sarah Arifah Imran EID Study of Spatial identity Morocco De-constructing elements Understand details

W H Y IT IS IM PORTAN T Due to the increase in globalisation, urban public spaces in particular are losing their individual identity. Office buildings, market squares and airports, to cite just a few such spaces, are increasingly comparable and interchangeable.

It is important in design to not lose touch of contextual spatial identity otherwise, in a homogeneous world, what would it mean to experience “place”?

H OW TH IS STUDY R E L ATE S TO H ON G KON G Hong Kong is a rapidly growing city with influences from so many diffrerent cultures. As a financially driven city, it is greatly moved by globalization. People spend most of their lives within the interior space. Though the stark contrast between the exterior and interior may leave people detached. It is my hope that through this study, I will be able to use what I’ll learn back into context of Hong Kong design for the future.

Reference: “Spatial Identity” , Stefan Mittlböck- Jungwirth- Fohringer, Futurelab

4

5

morocco A C ULTUR AL M E LTIN G POT Morocco adpots design with a very powerful spatial identity. Due to its unique location, Morocco has been influenced by many cultures throughout the years. For centuries, the country was formed by the mixture of African tribes from the other side of the Sahara Desert, Islamic traditions from Arab neighbors, and European colonizers.

11,325

All of these influences have created a culture unlike any other and nowhere is this more clear than in the country’s unique architectural style.

km

distance

morocco

Reference: “Rough Guide to Morocco” by Thomas Hollowell 2016

hong kong TR AVE L APPROAC H The reason why I chose to travel only in one country was to fully be immersed within. The route covers the cities of Morocco that explores various contexts to compare and contrast the following

6

northern context

southern context

old

new

city

rural

7

route

morocco x spatial identity

1

7 2

6 1

3

5

2

interior facade

craftsmanship

divine principles

The Moroccan courtyard

Handmade details

Islamic influence

social interaction

environment

color

The private & private realm

Handmade details

Integrated textures

4

5

3 4

6

7

Images: (c) Amanda See 2017 8

9

Moroccan Architectural Elements

methodology D E-CO NS TRU C TU ING SPATIAL IDE NTITY Throughout this study trip, the aim is to approach space and investigate their elements of spatial identity to discover the unseen orders in composition from the following classifications:

1 . W I N D OW

2. D O O R

3 . F O U N TAI N

4. S TAI R

5. C O L U M N S

6 . AR C H

7. R O O F

8. BAL C O N Y

9. E N T R AN C E

1 0. M I G H R AB

E LEM ENTS O F S PATIAL IDE NITY shape & form

material & color

spatial organization

context & environment

time organization

human usage

Reference: “Effective Factors in Shaping the Identity of Architecture� , Zohreh Torabi and Sara Brahman, MiddleEast Journal of Scientific Research 15 (1): 106-113, 2013

10

11

TYPE

Typologies

01

Elements:

Pavilion

1 . PAV I L I O N

2. M O S Q U E

2. K A S BAH

3 . R I AD

2. M E D E R SA

12

13

TYPE

TYPE

02

Elements:

Mosque

14

03

Elements:

Riad

15

TYPE

TYPE

04

Elements:

Kasbah

16

05

Elements:

Medersa

17

7 6

5 1

Morocco Image: “Fountain Details at the Mausoleum”, Rabat, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

2

3

4

MOROCCO Elevation: 0-4167m Area: 710,850 km² Population: 35,241,418 (2017) Language: Moroccan Arabic, Berber

18

19

7 6 CITY

5 1

01 Rabat Image: “Fountain Details at the Mausoleum”, Rabat, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

2

3

4

R ABAT Elevation: 0-46m Area: 117 km² Population: 1,655,753 (2017) Rabat, Morocco’s capital, rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.

20

21

KEY SITE

1.1

7 6 1

3 2 1

Assounna Ave Tachfin Mosque

2

This landmark mosque is located at the southern end of Ave Mohammed V. It was originally commissioned by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah in 1785, and was rebuilt and restored by Hassan II to celebrate his 40th birthday in 1969.

3 4

LOCATION Rabat PROJECT YEAR 1785 Sidi Mohammed FOUNDER ben Abdallah MATERIAL Wood, Marble, Cermenic

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

human usage spatial organization TYPE

material & color

mederesa

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Assounna Ave Tachfin Mosque 2. Mausoleum of Mohammed V 3. Kasbah of the Udayas

Minaret

Courtyard

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 22

5

23

EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENT

INTERIORITY

Ceilings decorated in hand carved wood

Courtyard and central entrance

Exterior of Kasbah 24

25

D E TAI L S

Combination of carved marble with handmade mosaic

E N T R AN C E

Natural lit interior mihrab featuring traditional Moroccan mosaic

26

27

KEY SITE

1.2

7 6

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

3 2

Resting place of a Moroccan king and his two royal sons at Mausoleum of Mohammad V, a national landmark of royal tombs and a mosque. The carved white exterior exudes an atmosphere of calm, where a reader of the Quran sits reciting passages throughout the day.

1

4

LOCATION Rabat PROJECT YEAR 1971 ARCHITECT Vo Toan MATERIAL Marble, Granite

shape & form material & color TYPE

pavilion

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Assounna Ave Tachfin Mosque 2. Mausoleum of Mohammed V 3. Kasbah of the Udayas

Remaining ruins of ancient mosque and minaret

Exterior of Mausoleum

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 28

5

2

3

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

context & environment

1

29

D I AG R AM S

Elevation

Elevation

Plan

F O U N TAI N

Axonometric Fountains of the Mausoleum in detail 30

31

D E TAI L S

INTERIORITY

Threshold

Exterior of the Mausoleum

32

33

KEY SITE

1.3 Kasbah des Oudaias

3 2

One of the town’s most historic quarters and part of the World Heritage Site that protects Rabat’s most prized landmarks.

A key feature comes in the form of the large Almohad period gate, built in 1195 CE and providing the entrance to this old part of town beside sea

1

LOCATION Rabat PROJECT YEAR 1195 FOUNDER Almohad Caliphate MATERIAL Stone, Clay

human usage TYPE

kasbah

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Assounna Ave Tachfin Mosque 2. Mausoleum of Mohammed V 3. Kasbah of the Udayas

Exterior of Kasbah

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 34

5

2

4

time organization

Details Close up

6 1

3

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

context & environment

7

35

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONEMNT

36

37

D E TAI L S

Details Close up

Exterior of Kasbah

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons 38

39

7 6 CITY

5 1 2

02 Casablanca Image: “Gate of Hassan II Mosque”, Casablanca, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

3

4

C A SAB L AN C A Elevation: 0-150m Area: 384 km² Population: 3,144,909 (2017) Casablanca is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, fronting the Atlantic Ocean

40

41

KEY SITE

2.1 Hassan II Mosque

LOCATION Casablanca PROJECT YEAR 1993 ARCHITECT Michel Pinseau MATERIAL Cedar, marble & granite

shape & form human usage TYPE

mosque

KEY SITE

Rabat

1. Hassan II Mosque

Details Close up 42

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017

5

2

4

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

context & environment

6 1

3

Rich in Islamic artistic motifs, including geometric shapes and sections from the Quran. The 210 m (689 ft) tall minaret stands above the old town, while the main building looks out across the Atlantic Ocean.

1

7

Interior space of Mosque 43

D I AG R AM S

Elevation

Elevation

Plan

Axonometric

44

45

D E TAI L S

EXTERIOR

46

47

D E TAI L S

48

INTERIORITY

49

D E TAI L S

INTERIORITY

D E TAI L S Details Close up Exterior of Kasbah 50

51

7 6 CITY

5 1 2

03 Marrakech Image: “Sky of Riad Courtyard”, Marrakech, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

3

4

M AR R AK E C H Elevation: 466m Area: 230 km² Population: 839,296 (2017) Marrakesh, a former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens

52

53

KEY SITE

3.1 Majorelle Garden 2

LOCATION Marrakech PROJECT YEAR 1980 DESIGNER Jacques Majorelle MATERIAL Concrete, marble

spatial organization material & color context & environment

TYPE

pavilion

4

5

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Majorelle Garden 2. AnaYela 3. Medina Marrakech 4. Bahia Palace 5. Saadian Tombs

Details Close up

Exterior of garden

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons 54

5

2

4

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

3

6 1

3

Founded by a painter and developed by a fashion designer. Developed over a period of 40 years by the painter Jacques Majorelle, and bought in 1980 by designer Yves Saint-Laurent, the garden includes a museum of Islamic art.

1

7

55

D E TAI L S

INTERIORITY

D E TAI L S Details Close up Exterior of Kasbah 56

57

KEY SITE

3.2 AnaYela 1

7 6 1

A four-time winner of the World Hotel Awards “Soul Experience” prize. The 300-year-old city palace AnaYela is the jewel of Marrakech. One of the most renowned calligraphers of Morocco, hammered the lovers’ tale in silver on the vast doors through the house, like pages in a book.

2

3 4

LOCATION Marrakech PROJECT YEAR 2008 ARCHITECT Bernd Kolb

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

DESIGNER Andrea Bury

time organization

MATERIAL Brick, Plaster

spatial organization

3

human usage

TYPE

riad

4

5

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Majorelle Garden 2. AnaYela 3. Medina Marrakech 4. Bahia Palace 5. Saadian Tombs

Corridor

Interior of courtyard

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 58

5

2

59

THRESHOLD

E N T R AN C E

Interior of award-winning suite 60

61

D E TAI L S

INTERIORITY

Interior of award-winning suite 62

63

D E TAI L S

INTERIORITY

Interior of award-winning suite 64

65

66

67

KEY SITE

3.3 Medina of Marrakech Medina of Marrakech, a World Heritage-listed area known for its dancers, musicians, storytellers, and merchants. Lots of landmark buildings and monuments nearby including royal palaces, old battlements, traditional gardens, and tombs of rulers and royalty.

1

7 6 1

5

2

3 4

LOCATION Marrakech PROJECT YEAR 1070–72

2

FOUNDER Abu Bakr ib. Umar

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

MATERIAL Orange-red clay

time organization material & color

3

human usage

4

5

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Majorelle Garden 2. AnaYela 3. Medina Marrakech 4. Bahia Palace 5. Saadian Tombs

Details Close up

Market (Souq) Space

Images Š Sarah Arifah 2017 68

69

PA SA SAG E S

TEXTURES

Interior of award-winning suite 70

71

INTERIORITY

INTERIORITY

TYPE

riad

Interior of award-winning suite 72

73

D E TAI L S

INTERIORITY

Interior of award-winning suite 74

75

KEY SITE

3.4 Bahia Palace 1

7 6 1

The Bahia Palace is a palace and a set of gardens set & houses of collected and converted into palace in the late nineteenth century by the Moroccan architect El Mekki on behalf of the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed ben Moussa said Hmad (1841-1900) intended to be the greatest palace of its time.

2

3 4

LOCATION Marrakech PROJECT YEAR 1841-1900 ARCHITECT El Mekki

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

MATERIAL Marble, Ceramic, Gold

time organization spatial organization

3

material & color

TYPE

pavilion

4

5

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Majorelle Garden 2. AnaYela 3. Medina Marrakech 4. Bahia Palace 5. Saadian Tombs

Details Close up

Interior of courtyard

Images Š Sarah Arifah 2017 76

5

2

77

E N T RY

INTERIORITY

Interior of award-winning suite 78

79

INTERIORIRTY

D E TAI L S

Interior of award-winning suite 80

81

EXTERIOR

Interior of award-winning suite 82

83

KEY SITE

3.5 Saadian Tombs 1

7 6 1

The mausoleum was constructed on orders of sultan Ahmad al-Mansur during the 16th century--the remains of around 60 members of the family have been interred here.

Chamber of the 12 Pillars made from finest marble, plaster, and gold ornamentation contains remains of Al-Mansur and his son.

2

3 4

LOCATION Marrakech PROJECT YEAR 1578-1603 FOUNDER Sultan Ahmed alMATERIAL Mansour ed-Dahbi Marble, Plaster, Gold

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS time organization spatial organization

3

material & color

TYPE

pavilion

4

5

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Majorelle Garden 2. AnaYela 3. Medina Marrakech 4. Bahia Palace 5. Saadian Tombs

Interior of tomb Images Š Sarah Arifah 2017 84

5

2

85

D E TAI L S

Interior of award-winning suite 86

87

EXTERIOR

C R AF T

Interior of award-winning suite 88

89

7 6 CITY

5 1 2

04 Ouarzazate Image: “Ceiling detail of Taourirt Kasbah ”, Ouarzazate, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

3

4

O UAR Z A Z AT E Elevation: 1,151m Area: 350 km² Population: 57,245 (2017) Ouarzazate is a city south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert.

90

91

KEY SITE

4.1 Taourirt Kasbah This is one of the most impressive Kasbahs of its kind. With almost 300 rooms and a maze of passageways, steps, and keylock doors. Originally built in the 19th century, the Taourirt Kasbah was owned by the el Glaoui clan, a family with a powerful stronghold of one of Morocco’s most significant caravan routes to West Africa.

LOCATION Ouarzazate PROJECT YEAR 1912 Thami El Glaoui FOUNDER Mansour MATERIAL Brick, Stone

spatial organization TYPE

kasbah

1

2

O UAR Z A Z AT E

Rabat

1. Taourirt Kasbah

Overview of Kasbah

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 92

5

2

4

human usage

Threshold of palace

6 1

3

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

material & color

7

93

D I AG R AM S

Elevation

E N T RY

Elevation

Plan

(Partial) Axonometric Interior of award-winning suite 94

95

D E TAI L S

TEXTURES

Interior of award-winning suite 96

97

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

98

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

99

7 6 CITY

05 Fes

5 1 2

Image: “Gate of Royal Palace”, Fes, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

3

4

FES

Rabat

Elevation: 410m Area: 320 km² Population: 964,891 (2017) Fes is a northeastern Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital.

100

101

KEY SITE

3 2 1

4

5.1 Medersa Bou Inania Impressive carvings and elaborate tiled decoration help to define Bou Inania Medersa, the only madrasa in the city that features a minaret. The site draws visitors to see its Islamic geometry rectangular green-tiled minaret; and its onyx marble columns supporting the an ornate mihrab ceiling

LOCATION Fes FOUNDED AD 1351–56 FOUNDER Abu Inan Faris MATERIAL Marble, Wood, Tiles, Plaster

material & color TYPE

mederesa

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Medersa Bou Inania 2. Fes Medina 3. Fes Tanneries 4. Karaouiyne

Overview of Kasbah

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 102

5

2

4

spatial organization

Threshold of palace

6 1

3

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

human usage

7

103

D E TAI L S

E N T RY

104

105

KEY SITE

3 2 1

4

5.2 Fes Medina

7 6 1

5

2

Heart of the city at Medina of Fez, the oldest neighborhood in Fez, protected as a World Heritage Site. Founded as the capital of the kingdom by the Idrisid dynasty in the 8th century CE, the walled part of town includes a wealth of historical monuments and buildings flanking narrow, winding, bustling streets.

3 4

LOCATION Fes FOUNDED 789 - 808 AD FOUNDER Idris ibn Abdallah

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

MATERIAL Clay

context & environment material & color human usage

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Medersa Bou Inania 2. Fes Medina 3. Fes Tanneries 4. Karaouiyne

Threshold of palace

Overview of Kasbah

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 106

107

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

108

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

109

INTERIORITY

110

111

KEY SITE

3 2 1

4

5.3 Fes Tanneries

7 6 1

The Chaouwara tanneries are one of the city’s most iconic sights (and smells), offering a unique window into the pungent, natural process of producing world-class leather using methods that have changed little since medieval times. Pits are awash with coloured dye. which creates a impressive city identity.

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS human usage spatial organization material & color

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Medersa Bou Inania 2. Fes Medina 3. Fes Tanneries 4. Karaouiyne

Threshold of palace

Overview of Kasbah

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 112

5

2

113

3 4

LOCATION Fes PROJECT YEAR 1912 Thami El Glaoui FOUNDER Mansour MATERIAL Brick, Stone

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

114

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

115

KEY SITE

3 2 1

4

5.4 Karaouiyne

7 6 1

The University of al-Qarawiyyin, also written Al-Karaouine is located in Fez, Morocco. It is the oldest existing, continually operating and the first degree awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records referred to as the oldest university.

3 4

LOCATION Fes PROJECT YEAR 859 FOUNDER Fatima al-Fihri

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

MATERIAL Marble, Wood

human usage spatial organization material & color

TYPE

mederesa

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Medersa Bou Inania 2. Fes Medina 3. Fes Tanneries 4. Karaouiyne

Threshold of palace

Overview of Kasbah

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 116

5

2

117

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

D I AG R AM S

Elevation

Elevation

Plan

Axonometric

118

119

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

120

D E TAI L

121

7 6 CITY

5 1 2

06 Chefchaouen Image: “Gate of Hassan II Mosque”, Casablanca, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

3

4

C H E F C H AO U E N

Rabat

Elevation: 564m Area: 20+ km² Population: 36,280 (2017) Chefchaouen is a city in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. It’s known for its hued blue-washed buildings of its old town

122

123

KEY SITE

6.1

7 6

Chefchaouen Old City Houses in every shade of blue make Chefchaouen Old City a very photogenic place. Here, Spanish and Moroccan architectural influences blend to make an inviting and attractive neighborhood, filled with hidden alleys, ornate doorways, and public squares.

1

1

5

2

3 4

LOCATION Chefchaouen PROJECT YEAR 1471 FOUNDER Moulay Ali Ben

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

MATERIAL Brick

time organization material & color context & environment

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Chefchaouen Old City

Narrow Streets

Entryway of the Old City

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 124

125

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

126

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

127

E X T E R I O R + PA S SA G E WAY S

128

129

7 6 CITY

5 1 2

07 Tangier Image: “Gate of Hassan II Mosque”, Casablanca, Morocco © Sarah Arifah 2017

3

4

TAN G I E R

Rabat

Elevation: 0-230m Area: 373 km² Population: 688,356 (2017) Tangier, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe.

130

131

KEY SITE

6.1 Kasbah & Mosquee

LOCATION Tangier PROJECT YEAR 1912 FOUNDER Moulay Hafid MATERIAL Brick, Stone Concrete

human usage spatial organization TYPE

kasbah

KEY SITES

Rabat

1. Kasbah & Mosquee du Port

Threshold of palace

Overview of Kasbah

Images © Sarah Arifah 2017 132

5

2

4

INVESTIGATION KEY ELEMENTS

material & color

6 1

3

Tangier has been reputed as a safe house for international spying activities.Its position during the Cold War and during other spying periods of the 19th and 20th centuries is legendary.

1

7

133

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

134

135

EXTERIOR + ENVIRONMENT

TYPE

mosque

136

137

END

Reflection All in all, this has been one of the most incredible trips I have ever experienced in my life and I will truly cherish and remember it for the rest of my life. I felt that just in the mere time of two weeks, I have grown more as a person and designer.

This fund had given me the opportunity to experience the design and architectural language of a culture that would have never been achieved merely through books.

The most exciting part of this trip was definitely visiting the sites and admiring details both tangible and intangible. As a designer, I approached each destination with open eyes and am always keen and eager to sketch or take notes for the investigation. I remember walking through the street when I had the sudden urge to stop all I was doing and sketch a building. I simply stopped there and then sat on the ground with my pen and paper. A small group of Moroccan aunties walked by and saw me legs-crossed on the concrete floor. Mistakenly taking me for a young beggar, one of the aunties stopped and looked at me in pity, She looked down at me filled with sympathy and simply said “May God help you.” Eyes heavy with sorrow.

At the time I didn’t understand what she had said to me but later found out through a translator and found myself incredibly amused. It made me realise that it was as if I am now almost programmed to view the environment that way and it makes one really stop to ponder. It’s true each person has their own way of viewing the world, and every pair of eyes hold their own rich interpretation to their surroundings. As a spatial designer, I see the world through a different dimension. Whether it be CAD views or underlying grids which compose a space, one may unconsciously try to decode the space around them.

Decision to expand the study tour.

This was without a doubt the most intensive self-initiated trips I have done so far.

After the acceptance of the scholarship, I took some time to really reflect upon the travel proposal and consciously made a decision to expand the tour by visiting more cities and sites. Because I would be in another continent half way across the world, I figured it was my obligation to make most out of the two weeks. 7 Cities in two weeks: a total travelling distance of 1,750km done in more than 25 hours on road. Yes it was intense but also very much worth it. The trips from city to city presented with immaculate landscapes of gargantuan mountain scapes, rocky cliffs, deserts, oases, greeneries, forests, beaches and more. Discovering the cities and their natural resources made me understand the usage of certain materials within their architecture for example, seeing wood in the south such as Marrakesh or Ouarzazate which is desert land could only be found in opulent contexts such as the palace whereas in the north where forests are abundant, plentiful of wood crafts and hand carved designs could be found everywhere including the markets.

138

139

Difficulties encountered during the tour and what I would have done differently The long travels made sticking to the itinerary extremely difficult and a test of self determination. Irrelevantly, Moroccan breakfasts are super delicious which was a great motivation for me to get up on time and start the day early so yes, it helped quite a lot. One difficulty I found with this trip was getting around. Many people come to Morocco and stay with a certified tour guide group which takes care of all the logistics and meals. As a solo traveller, it would be difficult to get from place to place without a car. Also, since I had a short stay overall, I did not want to risk getting food poisoning by avoiding street food all together (I know, this was really hard for me to resist the temptation). As a result, meals surprisingly added up to be rather pricey but nevertheless I made it in one piece without any form of contamination!

Site visits were quite a pain to manage. They all tend to close rather early around 5pm so it was difficult to travel from city to city and visit sites on the same day as planned. The first few days, I really tried to stick to the itinerary to the tee but it was too exhausting that I couldn’t make it for the next day. What worked instead was to sleep as early as possible on the night of arrival of each city (at least before midnight, and mind you, I was not getting enough sleep during these two weeks sleeping usually around 2-3am after compiling all the images and planning which was normal and I’m not complaining but it was challenging) and then do all of the planned sites from morning to night the following days.

Oh yes, they charged me more for being Asian, not that there was extreme racism, but when the locals saw me as a tourist, they did all that they could to try and drain my pockets. Everyone tries to rip you off and it’s crazy but rather memorable in the end. So long as you don’t get robbed of every asset you own, you can still laugh about it when you get back home. Another thing I would have done differently would be to bring my ATM with me and in general, just more cash because to my discovery, very few vendors (and even hotels) actually accept credit card despite the fact that they have the visa/ mastercard logo out front, it seems everyone’s machine is “broken” Another thing I would have done more had I the opportunity would be to hotel-hop.

Yes, it does feel like the plan was all over the place but I would have really wanted to do more to make it even richer. In Morocco, the typical boutique hotel, a “riad” is a small house-like property with 4-12 rooms. It was tiring to move from riad to riad checking in and out but but as a designer, I really allowed myself to experience accommodations of different class, in different cities, with their own unique story and design languages.

140

Knowledge/ skills/ benefits acquired This trip had taught me so many skills to help me grow not only as a person but as a designer. I learned how to plan and execute the trip I wanted and which me more responsible.

When travelling and visiting sites, I felt myself grow in sensitivity towards the underlying elements of spatial identity namely: shape & form, material and color, spatial organisation, context and environment, time organisation and human usage.

I started to compare and contrast them with one another and experiences I felt before in the past. Moreover, it had allowed me to compare them to Hong Kong’s context as well as my own cultural context.

It developed my ability to pick up on certain aspects that would have otherwise been forgotten.

The greatest ability I found myself growing was the sensitivity towards the notion of human experience. As I was travelling Morocco, I felt as if each site had a story.

From the moment I stepped out and placed my GPS down to continue to the destination, I felt the environment follow through the narrative. The path leading to the entrance, the grand gates or portal, the light-embraced courtyards, the narrow passages, the spacious pavilions, the ambient dining halls. Spatial narratives and experiences were that which I felt Moroccan design had truly prevalent in their architecture and interiors which had had special attention.

How this scholarship helps students This fund served our needs as a graduating undergraduate student because it really allows us to see what’s out there before we jump into the design industry. Before experiencing other design contexts, I am only that which I’ve seen first hand and no one could replace the treasure through books or films no matter how powerful they successfully re-created the real experience, it is after all, merely a representation.

Advice for potential SLD travel fund recipients My biggest advice is to go as far away from Hong Kong as possible. What I mean is that these kinds of opportunities don’t come everyday and it’s time to really get out of your comfort zone. It’s true that travelling to countries of close proximity would allow you to prolong the trip but those places you pretty much can go whenever you like. Allow yourself to discover another world that differs from the metropolitan environment you’re used to and allow yourself to be immersed in design in scales of differing magnitudes: continental, regional, urban, architectural, interior, human interaction, details and craft.

141