Nouala Pavilion: A Contemporary Tribute to Traditional Moroccan Architecture
On Wednesday, the iconic Majorelle Garden in Marrakech celebrated the inauguration of its second temporary pavilion, aptly named 'Nouala, the Mobile Refuge.' This innovative structure was designed by the talented Moroccan architect Salsabil El Ouazzani, who recently earned recognition as the winner of the 2026 Majorelle Garden Foundation Prize. A graduate of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, El Ouazzani triumphed over 33 other candidates to claim this prestigious award, showcasing her exceptional skills in contemporary Moroccan architecture.
Shortly after her significant achievement, El Ouazzani's vision materialized in the heart of Marrakech, showcasing a pavilion that reinterprets the traditional Moroccan 'nouala'—a rural hut typically constructed from reeds and thatch, utilizing resources readily available in its surroundings. By merging this historical reference with the concept of a mobile refuge, El Ouazzani draws upon the collective vernacular memory to present a contemporary version of this classic shelter.
A Fusion of Nature and Artistry
Situated within the serene garden of the Villa Oasis, this pavilion hosts the exhibition 'The Birds of the Majorelle Garden.' It is characterized by its lightweight and demountable structure, constructed from simple, natural materials that emphasize a sense of sobriety and reversibility in its assembly. Designed as a space for transition and contemplation, the pavilion invites visitors to wander through the lush vegetation, providing an intimate experience that engages with the picturesque landscape of the Majorelle Garden.
The jury that selected El Ouazzani's design was particularly impressed by the relevance of the chosen materials, the delicate manner in which the structure integrates with the surrounding flora, the precision of the design, and the realism of its execution—all factors contributing to the tight competition among entrants. Madison Cox, the President of the Majorelle Garden Foundation, was joined by a distinguished panel including Karl Fournier, co-founder of Studio KO; architect and anthropologist Salima Naji; and Alexis Sornin, director of the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech.
Cox emphasized that this temporary pavilion is part of an initiative to transform the Majorelle Garden into a space for experimentation for emerging talents in Moroccan architecture, providing an extraordinary platform within one of the Kingdom's most visited cultural sites. He also highlighted the renewable nature of this initiative, as each new version of the pavilion will be entrusted to the recipient of the Majorelle Garden Foundation Prize every two years.
In her remarks, architect Salsabil El Ouazzani noted that her project draws inspiration from the traditional lightweight, adaptable rural shelter, constructed from local resources to offer a contemporary version that harmonizes with the garden's vegetation. This dialogue between the pavilion and its content continues through the ongoing exhibition 'The Birds of the Majorelle Garden,' which has been running since April 2026 and focuses on the various bird species that frequent the site throughout the year.
More than thirty species, including insectivores, granivores, and omnivores, find refuge within the garden. Ornithology and ecology specialists Raphaël Musseau, Rhimou El Hamoumi, and Mohamed Radi contributed their scientific expertise to this exhibition, highlighting the conditions that favor the presence of these birds, such as the layering of vegetation from herbaceous plants to large trees, as well as suitable nesting spots and water points where birds come to drink and bathe.
Starting Thursday, October 29, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the nouala envisioned by Salsabil El Ouazzani before continuing their journey to discover the diverse avian inhabitants that grace the garden's pathways.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
