The city of Rabat is now graced with an urban structure that defies traditional norms of African architecture. Under the vision of the Alaouite monarch, Morocco has unveiled the Mohammed VI Tower, a stunning skyscraper that reaches an impressive height of 250 meters, making it the tallest building in the country.
This architectural marvel is strategically located on the right bank of the Bouregreg River. Its unique design not only captivates with its visual appeal but also exemplifies sustainability. The new skyscraper serves as the centerpiece of the integrated program "Rabat, City of Light," an initiative aimed at establishing the region as a cultural capital.
The tower boasts 55 floors, which house everything from luxury hotels to high-end residences, all engineered to withstand the geological conditions of the surrounding riverbank. According to official data from the Kingdom of Morocco, the structure adheres to the highest environmental standards and incorporates cutting-edge technology for resource management.
Remarkably, the building generates its own energy via its southern façade. The Mohammed VI Tower features 1,800 square meters of photovoltaic panels, complemented by an additional 2,200 square meters of solar panels installed at the base. This micro-grid system provides electricity to the building's internal services, enabling superior energy efficiency and earning international certifications such as LEED Gold and HQE.
The architectural design, conceived by architects Rafael de la Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun, presents a silhouette reminiscent of a rocket. The construction was undertaken by the Belgian group Besix in collaboration with TGCC. The hybrid structure combines a core of high-strength concrete with an external steel framework to optimize lateral load distribution. This innovative tube-in-tube system eliminates the need for interior columns, allowing total flexibility in the layout of offices and apartments.
Situated in a challenging soil environment, the foundations of the Mohammed VI Tower extend up to 60 meters deep through 104 concrete piles. This robust base ensures stability against potential flooding from the Bouregreg River or seismic events. To counteract wind-induced sway at higher elevations, engineers have installed a 160-ton harmonic mass damper at the top, which compensates for vibrations and ensures comfort for residents of the upper floors.
The complex is managed by O Capital Group and features a total of 36 elevators servicing the various levels. Among its most notable installations are advanced systems for heat recovery and rainwater harvesting. The northern façade showcases a glass curtain wall adorned with decorative metal fins, contrasting with the technical aesthetic of the southern face. The interior design, crafted by Pierre-Yves Rochon with furnishings from Flamant, brings a sophisticated and professional finish to the common areas.
This endeavor has benefited from subsidies from the Spanish Government, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aimed at facilitating the transport of goods in the Canary Islands. This initiative embodies a true vision of European collaboration.
As reported by okdiario.com.
