Award Cycle: 2011-2013 Cycle
Status: Shortlisted
Country of origin: Morocco
Location: Salé, Morocco
Client: Association Mohammed VI de Football
Architect: Groupe 3 Architectes, Rabat, Morocco
Design: 2007-2008
Size: Total combined floor area: 9000 m² - Total site area: 2500000 m²
Completed: 2010
Providing intensive football training and a school education to around fifty 13-to-18-year-olds, the Academy is designed to encourage both focus and a sense of community. It is arranged like a traditional douar (hamlet), with a central village square around which stand five buildings respectively accommodating administrative, sports, teaching, lodging and catering functions. Each has a central landscaped patio for relaxation. The patio walls are each painted a colour that reflects an aspect of Morocco, while the buildings massive exteriors are sober white. Local ochre earth ties the complex to its environment, and is textured with gravel, river stones, concrete paving and timber decking.