Participants in the 39th National Architect Day, held on Tuesday in Fez under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, highlighted the central role of the architect in the transition towards sustainable and resilient territories, calling for the adoption of innovative solutions to address climate challenges.
At the end of this day, initiated under the theme “the citizen facing climate change: Issues of energy and water,” experts, architects, and decision-makers recommended exploring innovative approaches to promote sustainable resource management and enhance the climate resilience of urban territories.
They emphasized the need for the integration of the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling for sustainable urban management, planning, and urban development adapted to climate constraints, particularly droughts and floods, as well as the adoption of sustainable solutions to reduce the energy footprint of buildings, in addition to strengthening national and international collaboration to optimize the management of water and energy resources.
The focus was also placed on innovation and best practices through the adoption of the principles of the circular economy “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” in urban water management, promoting natural solutions (phytoremediation and green infrastructures) to improve environmental sustainability, as well as advanced technologies (water flow detectors and retention basins).
Regarding integrated urban planning, participants recommended the integration of climate hazards into strategic planning documents, strengthening the capacities of stakeholders to promote sustainable practices, and mobilizing all actors for resilient and sustainable management of water and energy resources.
Initiated by the National Council of the Order of Architects (CNOA), in partnership with the Ministry of National Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, this day saw the participation of architects, experts, and decision-makers, as well as representatives of the orders and organizations of architects from Africa.
This annual event, established in homage to the historic speech delivered by the late HM Hassan II on January 14, 1986, in Marrakech, took place this year in the context of environmental urgency, focusing on the role of architects in the transition to sustainable development and on innovative approaches to address the growing challenges related to water stress and energy management.
The event also gathered presidents of major international professional organizations, including the African Union of Architects (AUA), the Mediterranean Union of Architects (UMAR), and the Federation of French-speaking Architects of Africa (FAFA).