Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy: A Desert Oasis for Healing, Laayoune, Morocco
The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Laayoune stands as a monumental tribute to the architectural heritage of southern Morocco. Designed by SAMA ARCHITECTES, the campus rejects the typical glass-heavy aesthetic of modern institutional buildings, opting instead for a language of mass, shadow, and ochre-toned earth. By reinterpreting the "ksour" (fortified village) and oasis typologies, the project creates a climate-responsive sanctuary for learning that feels both ancient and cutting-edge.
The Vision
The campus is anchored by a vast northern esplanade, designed to breathe with the daily rhythm of thousands of students. This open space is strategically positioned to remain in the shadow of surrounding structures, serving as a cool, communal heart that connects the various academic disciplines. The design philosophy centers on the concept of the "living garden," where native vegetation and framed views of the sky work together to lower ambient temperatures and provide a contemplative atmosphere essential for medical study.
Tectonics
The building’s thermal performance is managed through a sophisticated "double skin" system. On the primary facades, a suspended secondary envelope—inspired by traditional moucharabieh screens—filters the intense Saharan sun while allowing diffused natural light to penetrate the interior. The materiality is deeply tactile, utilizing Travertine and Volubilis marble to provide texture and warmth. These heavy, mineral surfaces act as thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly, maintaining a stable internal climate without over-reliance on mechanical cooling.
The Living Building
Beyond the lecture halls, the campus functions as a micro-city. The library, a standout feature, appears to "float" above an open ground floor, creating a shaded undercroft where a theatrical staircase doubles as informal seating for readers. Circulation paths are treated as urban promenades, where vertical slits in the walls create a rhythmic play of light and shadow that guides students between the research labs and social hubs. At night, the building transforms into a glowing lantern, as the light from the interior halls spills through the geometric patterns of the facade.
Data Sheet
Project Name: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Laayoune
Location: Laayoune, Morocco
Architect: SAMA ARCHITECTES (Samir Khaldoun & Malika Nassif)
Completion Year: 2024
Area: 23,500 m² (Site Area: 10 ha)
Key Materials: Travertine, Volubilis marble, ochre-pigmented concrete, patterned screens
Typology: Educational / Healthcare Research
Client: Ibn Zohr University / Ministry of Higher Education
Project Gallery
