Place Lalla Yeddouna: Regeneration of a Historic Urban Heart

Fez’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s largest and most intricate historic urban areas. In 2011, an international design competition to revitalize this core attracted over 800 entries. The winning proposal—by Mossessian Architecture in association with Yassir Khalil— was enthusiastically received by the local community. It aimed to reconnect Lalla Yeddouna Square with the riverfront through a pedestrian-friendly route, weaving through the medina’s dense fabric and integrating artisan workshops, shops, eateries, educational programs, a nursery, and a women’s centre.

The project combined restoration with innovation. A historic bridge and 11 existing buildings were rehabilitated, while nine new structures were constructed. A key aspect of the design was the restitching of both riverbanks through new pedestrian bridges and enhanced visual and physical access to the river, previously blocked and used for waste dumping. The riverbed was also recalibrated to manage flooding during the rainy season, improving both safety and ecological performance.

The architecture respected historical references while employing contemporary techniques and sustainable strategies. Passive climate control—via natural shading, airflow, and thermal mass— ensured year-round comfort with minimal energy consumption. Building massing and courtyard placement promoted cross-ventilation and comfortable microclimates throughout the site.