Féz Reborn

A project on an ancient City

Féz is magnificent. Féz is conservation. Féz is reborn. Massive walls shimmer golden in the evening light. We enter a maze of narrow sand-colored alleys with an aura of spices, chorus of prayers and hidden mysteries. Founded in the 9th century, the Medina of Fez was the capital of Morocco and it is still considered by many to be the intellectual and cultural heart of the kingdom. As a car-free living museum with immense architectural and historic treasures the city is faced with deterioration and abandonment. Will conservation enhance a cultural dialogue and foster socioeconomic cohesion towards a sustainable redevelopment? Féz Reborn is the culmination of works performed under Studio Féz, a Master of Architecture Thesis studio by Florian Schätz in collaboration with National University of Singapore, UNESCO Heritage, Palais Amani, Dr. Stefano Bianca and Mr. Jean Paul Ichter.

Project Féz

Féz Reborn is an architectural journey that reflects upon one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Islamic World. Studies, essays and interviews are presented with analytical graphics, data, drawings and photo journals. The complexity of a medieval urban form and its relevance in the modern world is unravelled. This project offers designers, researchers and travellers an insight into conservation, tourism, art and the community of Féz and is a link between innovative resarch and civic engagement. Féz Reborn was designed under the UNESCO planning guidelines for the preservation of the built heritage and of social diversity in heritages area.

Methodology

Urban analysis, typology studies and photographic essays together with selected design proposals create a dialogue between cultural authenticity, craftsmanship and sustainable technologies. The main question was,'How can urban planners and architects contribute to the revitalization of the Medina and not only consider it as the conservation of significant artefacts, but much more to see the Medina as a Museum of human events'. These projects offer provocative new sustainable ideas for a careful revitalization and rehabilitation of the Old Medina of Féz.

Team

Project: Research

Team: Florian Schätz, Lei-Ya Wong, Gilbert Cher, Wei Qi Ng, Muneera Sash

Support: Dr Stefano Bianca, Director Emer Aga Khan Historic Cities Geneva, Jean Paul Ichter Secretary General of FISA-MAGHREB, Jürgen Rosemann Chairman of the International Forum on Urbanism, Singapore National Commission for UNESCO

Exhibition: Asian Civiliation Museum Singapore, Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre Melaka

Typology: Book, Exhibition

Location: Morocco