The 2003 Casablanca bombing claimed 41 lives, with all the terrorists originating from the Sidi Moumen district. Impoverished neighborhoods like this often become breeding grounds for crime, unemployment, and extremism. Addressing these issues requires access to decent housing, quality education, and adequate public services—key elements in restoring basic social justice.
In this context, the social housing developed in Ben M’sik under the “Cities Without Slums” initiative offers hope. It has improved living conditions for 240 families in the nearby “Douar Khlifa” slum, not far from the project site.
Unlike many resettlement projects that isolate residents from their communities, this development is situated close to the slums, preserving residents’ connection to their familiar surroundings and minimizing disruption to their daily lives.
The project benefits from a prime location surrounded by various facilities, including a mosque, a health center (under construction), a social center, a local sports complex, a vocational training center, and multiple schools.
Thanks to the shallow depth of the buildings, 83% of the apartments enjoy dual orientation, ensuring ample natural light and effective ventilation throughout the units.
The serpentine layout of the building complex expands the views for residents, who also benefit from access to a large adjacent park.
The architectural design draws inspiration from Moroccan heritage, emphasizing natural light and the local landscape. The form, color, and texture reflect the region’s geography and cultural identity, allowing the project to harmoniously blend into its environment. This thoughtful integration encourages both future residents and neighbors to embrace the development.
The building design also considers the local climate. Natural cross ventilation keeps interiors cool, while outdoor gardens inspired by traditional Moroccan “Ryads” feature dense vegetation and trees. These green spaces soften summer heat and allow sunlight in during winter.
Covered walkways encourage airflow within these “open courtyards” and provide shade, reducing the heat island effect and enhancing residents’ comfort.
All 18 buildings are equipped with elevators, yet the project’s cost remains affordable at only 230 euros per square meter, as it is built on public land.
Funding is partially self-sustained, with approximately 47% covered by shop sales, 15% financed by the Housing and Urban Integration Solidarity Fund (FSHIU), and the remaining 38% coming from future residents, primarily through long-term loans guaranteed by the national “Damane Assakan” fund.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Standard Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation & Sectional View
Project Information
Architect: Tarik Zoubdi Architect
Area: 19,189 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Alessio Mei
Suppliers: Aluminium du Morocco, Astral AkzoNobel, Comarev, English, Roca, Sahara Marble, Weber
Construction Project Manager: Tarik Zoubdi
Architect: Marouane Chibraoui
Construction Technology: Zahra Belquas
Graphic Design: Mehdi Zoubdi
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
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