OXO architectes + nicolas laisné propose vertical city for sahara desert

configured to deal with the demands of the sahara desert, this conceptual project is imagined as a vertical city towering above the vast wilderness. designed by french practices OXO architectes and nicolas laisné associés, the building contains a mixed-use program, including a hotel, housing, dining facilities and a meteorological observatory.

when approaching the structure, the tower first appears as a distant rock
all images © manal rachdi OXO architectes + nicolas laisné associés

when approaching the structure, the tower first appears as a distant rock, before the landscape widens, encompassing a maze of streets that recall eastern souks. at ground floor level, an internal pool serves as the project’s threshold, reflecting the vast vegetation covered atrium above. various spaces to play, swim and pray are found at the scheme’s upper storeys, where sweeping panoramic views are offered.

helicopter landing pads at the scheme’s upper levels

an internal pool serves as the project’s threshold

the pool reflects the atrium above

the versatile building contains a mixed-use program

various spaces to play, swim and pray are found at the scheme’s upper storeys

vegetation covers an inner tower that ascends throughout the design

the ‘city sand tower’ illuminated at dusk

project info:

type: concept for vertical city
surface area: 780,000 sqm
height: 450 meters
location: sahara, morocco
status: under study
program: hotel, housing, shops, restaurant, meteorological observatory, museum of desert and offices
project team: manal rachdi OXO architectes associated with nicolas laisne associes

manal rachdi OXO architectes (paris, france)
partner in charge: manal rachdi
project architect: vincent imfeld

nicolas laisné associés (paris, france)
partner in charge: nicolas laisné, dimitri roussel
project architect: lucile nicosia

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