WEAM & ASSOCIATES Champions Architectural Innovation
The third edition of the WEAM & ASSOCIATES COMPETITIONS has placed a significant emphasis on the role of water within the architectural vision of emerging Moroccan designers. The results of this highly anticipated student competition were unveiled on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the National School of Architecture in Rabat. This initiative, spearheaded by WEAM & ASSOCIATES in collaboration with ENA Rabat and the Orange Atelier, aims to inspire a new generation of architects to consider the critical relationship between architecture and the natural resource of water.
This year’s theme urged students to explore the interconnections between architecture, water, and territorial resilience, particularly through a focused examination of the Oued Ykem area. The competition transcends mere academic exercise; it challenges participants to envision a territory through the lens of water resources, addressing a pressing concern that is central to urban development and the future utilization of spaces. Judging was conducted by a panel comprising both public and private sector architects, as well as educators and researchers from the National School of Architecture in Rabat, applying rigorous academic and professional criteria to evaluate the projects.
Expanding Horizons for Future Competitions
The WEAM & ASSOCIATES COMPETITIONS are designed specifically for ENA students, who form teams of one to four participants. This year’s edition has allocated a total prize pool of 40,000 dirhams, which includes 25,000 dirhams for the first-place winner, 10,000 dirhams for second place, and 5,000 dirhams for third place, along with two honorary distinctions. Since its inception, the competition has grown significantly, attracting over 280 students representing 110 teams across three editions, and distributing nearly 100,000 dirhams in awards.
The initiative enjoys robust support from partners in the construction and building materials sector, including CIMELECT, LAP, and STRUGAL. The organizers have ambitious plans for the future, aiming to expand participation to other National Schools of Architecture across the Kingdom, including those in Marrakech, Tétouan, Agadir, Fès, and Oujda, with a potential later inclusion of private institutions. The goal is to solidify the competition as a national platform for architectural innovation and foster dialogue between students and industry professionals.
Founded by a group of young architects who graduated from the National School of Architecture, WEAM & ASSOCIATES is dedicated to bridging the gap between students and creative professional opportunities. The association aims to enhance the connection between academic training and the job market in a sector where emerging talents increasingly seek to align their ideas with real territorial challenges.
As reported by infomaroc.net.
