New Rabat Racecourse in Morocco


QUAD, BENY, and KLI have been selected as finalists in the esteemed international competition to conceptualize Rabat's new racecourse, hosted by SOREC.

 

While they didn't secure the ultimate victory in the competition, their submission garnered high praise from the jury, underscoring their significant role in pushing the boundaries of modern architectural innovation and creativity.

 

Nestled at the heart of Rabat, the proposed design for the new racecourse epitomizes progress and modernization in Morocco. It transcends being merely a venue; it stands as a symbol of the nation's evolving identity. Seamlessly blending with its surroundings, this architectural marvel beckons the community to embrace the fusion of culture, sports, and education in a space that pays homage to nature.


At first glance, the landscape design captivates with its fluid lines, reminiscent of the elegant motion of horses. This organic allure is complemented by the roof's silhouette, drawing inspiration from the iconic saddle, thus infusing the structure with a subtle nod to equestrian tradition while asserting its contemporary identity.





Inside, the grandstand's layout offers expansive views from its elevated position, ensuring optimal sightlines of the races below. Elevated 4.5 meters above the ground, these terraces not only provide panoramic vistas but also enhance the immersive spectator experience, heightening the excitement of the races.



Below the grandstand, a vibrant atmosphere awaits, where spectators gather trackside to witness the exhilaration of the races up close. This area, directly accessible from the main foyer, serves as a hub of spectator engagement, offering proximity to the racing action and nurturing an intimate connection between audience and event.



In essence, the architectural narrative of the Rabat racecourse proposal embodies thoughtful integration and forward-thinking design. Its fusion of form and function, alongside a balance of tradition and innovation, positions it as a testament to Morocco's architectural prowess and its ongoing evolution within the global design sphere.


While the proposal may not have secured the top spot, it represents a cutting-edge design ethos embraced by Morocco as it strides into a new era. This forward-looking perspective underscores the country's architectural excellence and its emergence as a leader in the global design scene. Rabat's landscape is primed to evolve with this visionary design ethos, promising a vibrant future for architectural innovation in the region.



QUAD, BENY, and KLI extend their sincere thanks to the SOREC team, Mr. Omar Skalli, the esteemed jury members, and all the organizers for their invaluable contributions throughout the proposal process.

Winner of the competition: SAID BERRADA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WILMOTTE & ASSOCIATES

Here are the teams, that have been selected to participate in the final phase of the competition for the new racecourse in Rabat:

· Benyahya Meryem (BENY Architects) in partnership with QUAD Studio (Wai Tang and Kelvin Chu) and Khadija Lemhandez Imani (KLI Architecture)

· Chaoui El Faiz Ghali in partnership with B720 Fermin Vasquez

· Oualalou Tarik in partnership with Christian de Portzamparc

· Sentissi Faycal in partnership with Didier Lefort and Claude Penloup

· Zerouali Othmane in partnership with Kacem Benhayoun and Atelier Ferret Architecture