REPAIR CULTURE, LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, DESIGNING IN CONTEXTE

Fèz, Morocco
Transforming a dilapidated classroom into a creative space dedicated to the local high school students was the objective of this challenging project held in Fez, Morocco.
After the research phase of the project, it took 12 days on site, 10 young designers and the help of local students and craftsmen to design the space and complete construction.
Step by step, we continued developing an understanding of the local culture and specific craft skills of the region. The incredible knowledge of local craftsmen and the motivation of the local students combined to our design experience led to great results.

Re-using and up-cycling became key elements of our design. We reused and transformed old high school furniture to make benches and a fence allowing students to make the most of the outdoor terrace. Fabrics came from off cuts, wood was mostly from recycled sources, the wooden rings used for the seats were crafted by a local music instrument maker.

This design project was also about intercultural understanding, sharing skills, and learning from each other. It connected to sustainability on many levels and remind us that sustainability is a combination of environmental, cultural and economic factors that must be considered together.