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Integrating and working with a natural site

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The blossoming of an architectural jewel in the heart of the desert: when biomimicry and innovation shape the future

Ecologically responsible pedagogical innovation

In Morocco's architectural and educational landscape, a visionary project has been emerging since 2020: the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Laâyoune (UM6P). This avant-garde institution embodies a new approach to higher education, harmoniously merging pedagogical innovation and environmental awareness. At the heart of its design are living research laboratories, true incubators of ideas dedicated to cutting-edge environmental technologies and biomimicry. This symbiosis between nature and technology makes UM6P a beacon of future education, where students are immersed in a dynamic and ecologically responsible learning ecosystem.

Architectural harmony with the environment

UM6P stands out as an eco-responsible architectural jewel, pushing the boundaries of sustainability with an impressive energy passivity of 80%. This technical feat testifies to a meticulous design that capitalizes on the natural assets of the Laâyoune site. The architects have orchestrated a subtle dialogue between the built environment and its surroundings, thus creating a campus that breathes in harmony with its ecosystem. Each architectural element is designed to minimize the ecological footprint while maximizing comfort and energy efficiency, making UM6P a cutting-edge model for sustainable construction in the region.

Catalyst for innovation and regional development

Driven by the bold vision of the OCP Group and the Phosboucraâ Foundation, this project transcends the simple educational framework to become a true catalyst for regional development. UM6P stands as a center of excellence dedicated to research and innovation, with the ambition to stimulate the economic and social development of a region rich in potential. By attracting talent, researchers and investors, the university aspires to create a dynamic ecosystem of innovation, conducive to the emergence of sustainable solutions to local and global challenges. Thus, UM6P is not content with shaping the minds of tomorrow, it actively shapes the future of an entire region, embodying the hope of harmonious and sustainable development for Morocco.
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The UM6P project in Laâyoune embodies our vision of biomimetic and sustainable architecture, deeply anchored in its desert environment. By merging technological innovation and ancestral wisdom, we have designed a campus that breathes to the rhythm of the desert, where every line, every curve is inspired by dunes and wadis. Our parametric approach has allowed us to optimize every aspect of the building, from water management to energy efficiency, thus creating an urban ecosystem that is 80% self-sufficient. It is more than a university, it is a living laboratory where architecture becomes the catalyst for a sustainable future for an entire region.

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How does the project manage to reconcile architecture, environment and sustainability?

The Polytechnic University of Laâyoune is an emblematic illustration of the harmonious integration of architecture with its natural environment while meeting the imperatives of sustainability and innovation. Located in the commune of Foum el Oued, along the Atlantic coast, this ambitious project is part of an economic and social development approach in a promising region of Morocco. Consisting of a consortium of French companies with complementary skills in the fields of engineering, design, innovation and sustainable construction, the UM6P project in Laâyoune aims to create an internationally renowned research and innovation hub, while respecting local resources and adopting an eco-responsible approach.

The architecture proposed by the agency revolves around the valorization of the region's natural and cultural resources, while seeking to optimize the dialogue between the built environment and its surroundings. This approach allows for the creation of an open and pleasant living environment for future students and professors. The project stands out for its innovative environmental approach, nourished by both local traditions and new technologies. Indeed, circular systems inspired by those present in nature are implemented to tend towards zero waste. Moreover, the building's design is based on the site's climatic characteristics, integrating devices such as parametric design to optimize energy and natural resource management.

Through the creation of a platform dedicated to innovation and research, the UM6P project in Laâyoune contributes to promoting the economic development of the region, fostering its international openness and creating synergies with various actors. As a model of sustainable development, this project represents an exceptional opportunity for Morocco and particularly for the southern regions, through its innovative and responsible approach in the design and implementation of large-scale infrastructure. The UM6P Laâyoune project embodies an exemplary approach to harmonious integration of architecture with its natural environment, while responding to contemporary challenges of sustainability and innovation. It fully aligns with Morocco's vision of becoming a reference in sustainable development and constitutes an essential catalyst for the economic and social evolution of the region.


How has biomimicry inspired the project, integrated into it and made it more ecological and responsible?

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The UM6P project stands out for its ambitious and resolutely sustainable approach to ecological and eco-responsible architecture. By integrating principles of biomimicry and drawing inspiration from natural forms, the campus design harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding environment, thus promoting a harmonious interaction between humans and nature. This biomimetic integration also allows for optimization of local resources, with the use of local construction materials and low ecological footprint construction techniques, thus contributing to regional economic development while reducing the project's environmental impact.

The agency's approach is based on the potential and assets of the site located in the middle of the Wadi, seeking to optimize the dialogue between the built environment and its surroundings. The adopted approach uses the climate, wind, sand, and sub-Saharan coastal know-how to achieve the best sustainable performance. Vegetated tents, half-tents/half-dunes, under which the buildings slip, weaving the landscape. Following the lines of the desert dunes, the interior street and its transversals are an allegory to the cracked lands of the Wadi. Covered with a canopy, they leave an important place for nature and create spaces for encounters and exchanges between people. Moreover, the UM6P project emphasizes energy and climate performance, adopting innovative architectural devices to maximize the energy efficiency of buildings. Solutions such as the use of parametric design are used to minimize sun exposure and promote natural ventilation. However, green roofs act as natural thermal insulators, thus ensuring optimal thermal comfort conditions inside the buildings.

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Co-creative microalgae of added value

Responsible water management is also at the heart of the project, with rainwater collection and treatment systems.

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In order to best preserve these water resources, the program integrates biorefinery technologies developed by Ennesys to locally treat the site's wastewater. This water is then reused for watering green spaces as well as for cleaning outdoor areas and supplying flush toilets. Thanks to the integration of biological waste treatment units and a phycoremediation process, based on microalgae, this system allows wastewater to be recycled directly on site. This approach allows for the recovery of reusable water, energy to power the system, as well as organic fertilizers beneficial for the site's crops and surrounding agricultural operations. These same recycling technologies are also integrated to allow sustainable recycling of grey and black water. These measures help reduce drinking water consumption, minimize wastewater discharge into the environment and preserve local water resources.

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This depollution approach proves to be productive, as it generates at the end of the chain three co-products with commercial value: clean water, a source of renewable energy and algal biomass sought after for its properties as a vitamin-enriched biological fertilizer. By drawing inspiration from nature and combining these different strategies and characteristics, the UM6P project positions itself as an example of ecological and eco-responsible architecture, thus contributing to promoting sustainable development in the region and beyond.

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How does the UM6P architectural project stand out for its ambitious sustainable and energy approach?

The UM6P architectural project program stands out for its ambitious, sustainable and energy approach in several respects, integrating innovative elements and holistic solutions to achieve global sustainability objectives. The UM6P project adopts an integrated approach to sustainability by combining architectural, environmental and energy elements to create a truly eco-responsible university campus. This holistic approach is reflected in the design of buildings, outdoor spaces and energy and water supply systems, which are all designed with the aim of maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. The project also stands out for its commitment to demanding, internationally recognized certification standards in sustainable development, such as the HQE® standard, CEEBIOS, BREEAM, LEED® Excellent or even Outstanding certification, and the international Biodivercity label. This desire for certification demonstrates the project's commitment to meeting high standards in terms of energy performance, environmental quality and social responsibility.

Moreover, the UM6P project integrates innovative technologies and strategies to maximize the use of natural resources and minimize energy consumption. For example, parametric design is used to optimize the shape and layout of buildings to maximize the use of natural light and ventilation, thus reducing dependence on artificial air conditioning and heating systems. In addition, this new program is committed to promoting energy efficiency at all levels, encouraging energy sobriety and promoting the use of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic and thermal solar. This approach helps reduce the carbon footprint of the university campus and create a healthier and more sustainable environment for students, staff and the surrounding community. The UM6P architectural project stands out for its commitment to innovation and ongoing research in sustainability and energy efficiency. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as phyco-remediation for wastewater treatment and biomimetic design for energy performance optimization, this new site in Laâyoune aspires to become a center of excellence in sustainable development and environmental innovation.


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How does parametric design efficiently contribute to the design of the UM6P project?

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Parametric design plays a crucial role in the design of the UM6P project as it integrates principles of sustainability and energy efficiency in an innovative and adaptive manner. Parametric design allows for a customized and adaptable approach based on the specific characteristics of the site and environmental constraints. By using algorithms and variable parameters, designers can optimize the shape and layout of buildings to maximize the use of natural resources such as sunlight, natural ventilation and rainwater collection. This approach facilitates the exploration of multiple scenarios and potential solutions, allowing designers to quickly compare and evaluate different options in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability and aesthetics. This promotes an iterative and collaborative approach where stakeholders can contribute to the design in real time, thus improving decision-making and the overall quality of the project.

Moreover, parametric design offers increased flexibility and scalability, which is essential to meet the changing needs of the project and evolving environmental requirements. Parametric models can be easily adjusted and updated to take into account new data or additional constraints, thus ensuring a tailor-made, adapted and sustainable design throughout the process. Finally, parametric design promotes innovation by allowing the exploration of new forms, structures and technical solutions that could be difficult to design with traditional methods. This paves the way for avant-garde and innovative designs that push the boundaries of sustainability and energy efficiency, thus contributing to making the UM6P project an example of excellence in sustainable and intelligent design.

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