Atlas- Morocco

Post-Earthquake
Architectural Research

2023

Following the earthquake of September 8, 2023 in Morocco, this research emerged as an urgent need to observe, understand, and question the role of architecture in the face of risk.

Across affected territories, collapsed structures, damaged walls, and fragments of daily life revealed a fundamental reality: earthquakes do not kill — buildings do. The way structures respond to seismic forces is deeply linked to their design, materials, and construction logic. Yet, within this landscape of destruction, parts of the medina of Marrakech demonstrated remarkable resilience, highlighting the value of inherited knowledge and vernacular practices.

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This work documents both failures and resistances, identifying simple structural reflexes that can prevent collapse, while opening a space for exchange and shared learning. Because knowledge is emancipatory, this research seeks to circulate, to be discussed, and to be collectively built.

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