École ‘Al Zillīj’

5th year master’s thesis, University of dundee

Marrakech, Morocco – 2025

Revit
autocad
sketchup+Vray
illustrator
photoshop

The September 2023 earthquake in Morocco’s Al Haouz region caused severe damage in rural areas and the city of Marrakech, deeply affecting children through displacement, trauma and disruption to education. Young girls face additional challenges, including limited access to schooling and increased vulnerability to gender-based violence, bringing an additional layer of trauma. Despite government efforts to rebuild educational infrastructure, many needs remain unfulfilled. This thesis explores how educational architecture can support children in post-disaster recovery, focusing on creating safe, inclusive, and healing environments. The proposed project, École ‘Al Zillīj’, focuses on reconnecting children with parents and teachers to support emotional healing and learning. Drawing inspiration from traditional Moroccan zillīj patterns, the design uses familiar, culturally resonant elements to foster comfort, identity, and belonging. Through trauma-informed design and thoughtful use of materials and colour, the project aims to provide a secure and hopeful environment for children recovering from disaster.

WAITING AREA
CLASSROOM
DINING AREA
WALKWAY

The proposed building applies Trauma-Informed Design (TID) by engaging all five senses to create a calm, supportive space for children. Thick rammed earth walls and planted courtyards reduce noise, while small class sizes and breakout spaces offer refuge. Natural materials, textures, soft furnishings, and warm colours provide comfort. A balance of colour and pattern, using natural hues and traditional Moroccan elements such as zillīj tiles helps to create a familiar environment and to avoid overstimulation. Taste and smell are further supported through the kitchen and dining hall (matbakh and qu’at ta’am), which encourage community meals and parental involvement. The design merges TID principles with Moroccan architecture to create an inclusive, nurturing environment.

CLASSROOM TYPES
CLASSROOM PARTI
MEASURING OUT
BASIC LAYOUT
EARLY LAYOUT
DEVELOPED LAYOUT
SECTION SKETCH

Studio: design for displacement

tutor: laurence wood