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Perforated Brickwork and Vertical Courtyards in a Community Library Design

Authors:
rachel hurst, katarina jovanovic
Perforated Brickwork and Vertical Courtyards in a Community Library Design

Project in-detail

Distinctive perforated brickwork and elevated courtyards create a thoughtful memorial space within a community library dedicated to resilience and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinctive perforated brick façade that facilitates natural light while providing ventilation.
02
Elevated vertical courtyards promote interaction and offer green spaces for reflection.
03
Dedicated subterranean memorial areas designed to honor victims and foster contemplation.
04
Use of sacked bricks to reflect local building traditions and enhance thermal performance.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate diverse community activities and events.
The Casablanca Bombing Rooms Memorial Library is an architectural project designed to honor the victims of the 2003 bomb attacks in Casablanca, Morocco. This library serves as both a space for education and a memorial, aiming to create a meaningful dialogue with the past while encouraging community engagement through knowledge sharing. The building integrates a variety of functional areas that promote literary pursuits, cultural activities, and contemplative spaces for reflection.

The library’s design is characterized by a perforated façade formed from sacked bricks, facilitating natural light while maintaining a connection to traditional Moroccan architecture. This architectural approach not only enhances the building’s aesthetic but also addresses the local climate, providing passive cooling and energy efficiency. The library encompasses multiple levels, with an open layout that encourages movement and interaction among visitors.

The main circulation routes are designed to flow naturally through the space, highlighting important architectural features such as vertical courtyards and flexible reading areas. Each level is purposefully arranged to accommodate both solitary study and communal activities, ensuring the library remains a welcoming environment for diverse user groups.

Unique Design Approaches
A distinctive aspect of this project is its integration of memorial spaces within the library’s structure. The subterranean levels include areas dedicated to remembering the victims, incorporating elements that facilitate introspection. This thoughtful inclusion of memorialization differentiates the library from conventional public buildings, as it provides a dual purpose of education and remembrance.

The design employs layered spatial configurations that offer varying degrees of privacy while fostering social interaction. By strategically placing gathering spots and quiet study zones, the design balances the need for community engagement with spaces for personal reflection. The use of natural materials, such as timber and ceramic tiles, further enhances the library’s connection to local culture and craftsmanship.

Environmental Sustainability
The architectural design incorporates sustainable practices through the use of local materials and careful attention to building orientation. The use of perforated screens allows for efficient daylighting while minimizing heat gain, demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency. Additionally, the incorporation of greenery in courtyard areas contributes to improved air quality and increases the library's overall ecological value.

The Casablanca Bombing Rooms Memorial Library exemplifies how architecture can serve as a powerful medium for contextual storytelling. The combination of its memorial purpose and functional library design represents a considered response to historical events, engaging the community with its narrative and encouraging ongoing dialogue about resilience and remembrance.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that drove this project, it is recommended to explore the project presentation for more detailed insights.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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