reusable buildings constructed for COP22 climate summit

oualalou + choi has designed a series of temporary structures for the COP22 climate conference in marrakech, morocco. the scheme seeks to respond to the country’s architecture and unique climate through the reinterpretation of traditional construction techniques. in keeping with the event’s message of sustainability, the buildings will be reused after the summit and distributed to local associations. COP22’s exhibition spaces have been developed in collaboration with french architect stéphane malka, who worked on the project’s scenography.

the ‘gateway’ measures 12 meters in height and 50 meters in length
image by laurent clement

‘ark22’ (the gateway) has been designed by oualalou + choi as a monumental installation that measures 12 meters in height and 50 meters in length. conceived as a ‘pointillist composition’, the building is made of identical wooden elements without the need for any trimming or architectural siding. sourced from local forests, the stacked timber components both conceal the interior, and protect it from the region’s hot sun.

the design is a hybrid of lightweight structure and monumental installation
image by laurent clement

the building’s construction method results in it taking on a different appearance depending on where it is viewed from. a large arch has been cut out of the center of the structure’s primary façade — a dramatic opening formed with a layered composition of elevations. the light and flexible wooden structure is to be entirely dismantled after the event and rebuilt within the city.

a dramatic opening is formed using a layered composition of elevations
image by luc boegly

another building is ‘agora22’, two symmetrical restaurants realized in the rural vernacular tradition. the scheme includes multiple patios, verandas, and skylights, providing sheltered atria for meetings and impromptu encounters. meanwhile, rooftop terraces afford unprecedented views of the surrounding landscape. as with ‘ark22’, ‘agora22’ is constructed from sustainably sourced materials. the predominant use of OSB ensured flexibility during construction, and also means that it will be easy to dismantle post-event.

an enormous tented structure covers 12,000 square meters
image by oualalou + choi

the canopy is both translucent and waterproof
image by luc boegly

‘agora22’ comprises two symmetrical restaurant buildings
image by laurent clement

the structures have been realized in the rural vernacular tradition
image by laurent clement

the restaurant buildings include multiple patios, verandas, and skylights
image by luc boegly

the building is constructed from sustainably sourced materials
image by laurent clement

rooftop terraces afford views of the surrounding landscape
image by laurent clement

the predominant use of OSB ensured flexibility during construction
image by laurent clement

the tensile structure provides shelter from the hot climatic conditions
image by luc boegly

masterplan of the site
image courtesy of oualalou + choi

project info:

name: COP22 village
location: marrakech, morocco
program: construction of the COP22 village
area: site: 29.55 hectares / built surfaces: 93,000 sqm / canopy: 12,400 sqm
completion: november 2016
budget: €43 million
client: comiteé de pilotage de la COP22
architect: oualalou + choi
landscape: oualalou + choi
scenography: oualalou + choi, stéphane malka
team: GL events, capital events, agence publics, leni, manzeh diafa
contractors: IASO (canopy) / ITC (plenary gate) / GL events (temporary structures) france agencement (restaurants) / eve (landscaping)