Mr. Benabdellah, at the opening of the 39th National Day of the Architect, organized under the theme "The Citizen Architect Facing Climate Change: The Energy and Water Challenge," emphasized the need to highlight the role that the architect must play in addressing the issue of climate change.
Mr. Benabdellah noted, during this event organized under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, that the architect, besides being a designer of space, plays a fundamental role in this ecological transition, and their citizen role should be significantly manifested in this context, where energy and water stakes are at the heart of concerns.
He explained that this role must be embodied, in particular, through the design of buildings that respect the environment and promote renewable energies, the selection of materials prioritizing local products with low environmental impact, and the use of strategies based on orientation and natural ventilation.
The architect can also, according to the same official, integrate water recovery and treatment into the design of rainwater harvesting and water treatment systems, in order to reduce pressure on water resources.
For his part, the President of the Fez-Meknes Regional Council, Abdelouahed El Ansari, emphasized the important role played by the architect in defining the urban future of Moroccan cities through their design, the improvement of urban space, and the protection of the environment.
He continued that given their important role, the architect has become a key player today capable of bringing about change in the service of sustainable development based on the development of environmental solutions that could contribute to the saving of water resources in particular, emphasizing the importance that the Regional Council attaches to this environmental issue within the framework, in particular, of its regional land-use plan.
For his part, the President of the Regional Council of Architects for the Fez-Meknes region and the Guercif province, Hicham El Amrani Jouti, confirmed that this day celebrates the historic speech delivered by the late His Majesty King Hassan II, may God rest his soul, on January 14, 1986, which emphasized the role of the architect in the development of Morocco, by reconciling authenticity and modernity.
He affirmed that Moroccan architecture continues today, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, its evolution to achieve sustainable development and face environmental and social challenges.
Mr. El Amrani Jouti pointed out that the city of Fez, which is hosting this event, is not just an ancient city, but a source of inspiration and a living example of the ability of historic cities to renew themselves and contribute to shaping a promising future, adding that "we are invited today, more than ever, to design buildings and cities that respect the environment, optimize energy use, and preserve water resources."
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al Omrane Group, Hosni El Ghazaoui, emphasized the importance of the topic chosen for this event, which highlights the citizen role of the architect, noting in this context the great role of Moroccan architects and their mobilization to lend a helping hand to citizens and public authorities following the earthquake that struck the Al Haouz region.
Mr. El Ghazaoui touched upon the initiatives taken in cooperation with the National Council of the National Order of Architects to achieve sustainable development goals, including the preparation of a reference guide for the development of rural areas.
This event, organized by the National Council of the National Order of Architects, in partnership with the Ministry of National Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing and City Policy, sees the participation of architects, experts, and decision-makers, in addition to representatives of African architects' bodies and organizations.
It is recalled that this annual event, which was established to commemorate the historic speech delivered by the late His Majesty King Hassan II, may God rest his soul, on January 14, 1986, in Marrakech, falls this year in a context marked by an environmental emergency and focuses on the pivotal role of architects in the transition towards sustainable development, while reviewing innovative approaches to face the increasing challenges related to water stress and energy management.
The opening ceremony of this meeting took place in the presence, in particular, of the Secretary of State to the Minister of National Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing and City Policy, in charge of Housing, the Wali of the Fez-Meknes region, Governor of the Fez prefecture, and the governors of the prefectures and provinces of the region.
This event also brings together the heads of major international professional organizations, including the African Union of Architects, the Mediterranean Union of Architects, and the Federation of Francophone Architects in Africa.
