From tremors in Japan to disasters in Morrocco, the catastrophe an earthquake causes can take a lifetime to rebuilt from. Which is why investing in earthquake resistant buildings and developing newer ways of delivering anti-seismic homes that are affordable and easy to construct is driving many architects to break new ground in innovative construction tech. For this Moroccan architect, looking to the future has come by way of delving into the past.
When a devastating earthquake hit the south of Morocco last September, 3,500 people died and many more were left homeless after 60,000 homes in 3,000 villages were either partially or entirely destroyed. Houses on steep slopes in the rural areas, built using traditional rammed earth and stone, were the worst affected. While the government and non-profit organisations helped by providing survivors with financial relief and temporary dwellings, “the reconstruction efforts on the ground have been problematic”, says Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni. In response, she has developed a housing prototype in the village of Talat N’Yaaqoub, which uses anti-seismic bricks and can be duplicated in other affected areas. The project won her the Impact Award at the 2024 Arab World Institute Design Prize held in Paris earlier this year.
Chaouni’s design for earthquake resistant structures employs three types of mass-produced, compressed-earth bricks that are commonly used in ceiling slabs and pavements, made up of 95 per cent earth and five per cent Durabrick cement. “The prototype was meant to serve as a model to help change construction practices,” the architect explains. “It offers an alternative form of affordable housing for rural settings in Morocco, and is being duplicated to provide homes for widows in the village of Tajgalte, which was also severely damaged.”
Taking her cue from vernacular architecture which integrates into the landscape with a terraced layout, Chaouni sought to combine traditional wisdom with innovative techniques to develop a resilient – and culturally appropriate – earthquake-proof housing solution. In line with her architectural approach, she involved earthquake survivors from the villages in the final layout of the houses.
For ease, Chaouni’s team has created a step-by-step manual explaining how build earthquake resistant buildings and replicate the house design, which can be built in as little as two months and costs the same as a typical home in Morocco. Next, the architects are planning a community centre in Tajgalte which will offer flexible spaces for young people to study. azizachaouniprojects.com
