Portugal Vez River SPA competition Honorable mention winners - Anass Hammeni and Amine Froukh

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Portugal Vez River SPA competition – Anass Hammeni and Amine Froukh from Morocco!

Anass Hammeni and Amine Froukh from Morocco

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We are a team of two architects based in Rabat, Morocco, Anass Hammeni and Amine Froukh. Both of us graduated from the School of Architecture of the International University of Rabat, where we developed a shared passion for thoughtful design rooted in context, culture, and human experience. While we each operate as independent professionals, we often collaborate on conceptual and design-driven projects, blending academic depth with architectural clarity.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Our work primarily focuses on small to medium-scale architecture, with a strong interest in residential, cultural, and commercial projects. We are particularly drawn to projects that invite interpretation, spaces that carry meaning and speak through atmosphere and proportion. Whether designing homes, workspaces, or cultural interventions, we are guided by precision, simplicity, and contextual intelligence.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

To us, architecture is more than construction, it is the craft of shaping experiences, emotions, and environments. It is a language of space, silence, light, and materiality. In our society, the architect plays a dual role: both as a translator of cultural memory and as an agent of future-thinking design. We believe in creating spaces that are at once rooted and forward-looking, resonant with local identity while adaptable to global challenges.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions provide a rare opportunity to explore ideas freely and test concepts without the constraints of a typical commission. They allow us to challenge norms, push creative boundaries, and engage with pressing questions through design. Beyond this, competitions offer a way to connect with the global architectural dialogue, share our voice, and grow both professionally and intellectually.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions is not only about winning, it’s about training your vision, refining your thinking, and finding your voice. Every competition is a laboratory where you can experiment, grow, and learn from the process. If you approach it as an opportunity for creative exploration rather than just an outcome, you’ll find that the rewards are far deeper than the result. Our advice is simple: start small, stay curious, and treat each brief as a chance to expand what you thought was possible.