Maison des Oasis

Figuig is a small city in south-eastern Morocco, developed around an oasis at the gates of the Sahara Desert. The new building offers to the inhabitants a series of functions necessary for the cultural development of the community, such as an auditorium, an exhibition space, teaching rooms, offices and small shops. The surrounding spaces connect the various public spaces, such as the open-air theatre, the botanical garden, the new park and the small parking lot. To ensure adequate climatic quality inside the building, without increasing energy consumption not easily found in a context such as that of the desert, a series of natural cooling solutions have been provided, using both traditional and innovative methods. The perimeter of the building is marked by large arches and the facades are composed of a pattern of perforated bricks that allow the wind to naturally cool the interior.