Lalla Yeddouna Square Revitalization by Mossessian Architecture & Yassir Khalil Studio

Located in the heart of Fez’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as one of the world’s largest and most intricate historic urban fabrics, the Lalla Yeddouna Square Revitalization project represents a landmark in heritage-led urban renewal. In 2011, an international competition to revitalize this critical urban node attracted over 800 submissions. The winning proposal, developed by Mossessian Architecture in collaboration with Yassir Khalil Studio, was embraced by local residents for its sensitivity to context, its innovative integration of public life, and its forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

The project’s primary aim was to reconnect Lalla Yeddouna Square to the adjacent riverfront, a connection historically severed by dense development and a neglected river corridor. The design introduces a pedestrian-friendly route that meanders through the medina’s complex streets, weaving together artisan workshops, retail spaces, eateries, educational programs, a nursery, and a women’s center. By creating a cohesive urban pathway, the project not only improves accessibility but also enhances the vitality of daily life for residents and visitors alike.

Restoration and Innovation

The revitalization combined careful restoration of historic elements with strategic interventions to accommodate contemporary uses. Eleven existing buildings were meticulously rehabilitated, while nine new structures were inserted to complement the urban fabric. Central to the project’s success was the re-stitching of the riverbanks: new pedestrian bridges and improved visual and physical access now reconnect the city to its once-blocked waterway. The riverbed itself was recalibrated to mitigate seasonal flooding, enhancing both safety and ecological performance.

Throughout, the design respects historical references while adopting contemporary techniques and sustainable strategies. Passive climate-control strategies, including natural shading, cross-ventilation, and the use of thermal mass, ensure year-round comfort with minimal energy consumption. Courtyard placement and careful building massing create microclimates that mediate the intense summer heat and winter cool, while providing comfortable public and semi-public spaces for daily social interaction.

A Dialogue Through Tiles

A defining feature of the project is its ceramic tilework, which visually anchors the square while celebrating Fez’s long-standing artisanal heritage. Artist Michael Pinsky collaborated with Michel Mossessian and local craftsmen to develop a unified visual identity based on 1,500 years of zellige tradition. Tiles transition elegantly from classical Moroccan geometric motifs to Spanish-influenced patterns and ultimately to contemporary abstract forms. Beyond aesthetics, the tile surfaces contribute to courtyard cooling and serve as intuitive signage, marking the different artisan workshops and creating a subtle wayfinding system that enriches the user experience.

The tilework also reinforces the project’s narrative of continuity and innovation: while the forms are deeply rooted in local tradition, the sequence of colors and motifs introduces a modern layer of interpretation. This interplay between old and new embodies the revitalization’s broader aim — to create a space that is both historically grounded and socially dynamic.

An Urban Room for Civic Life

The project was conceived as a cohesive “urban room”, where civic and intimate activities coexist. Repetition of local geometric forms creates continuity across the site, while subtle variations add richness and visual diversity, preventing monotony. The square now accommodates daily life, cultural activities, and visitor engagement, offering a legible, welcoming, and vibrant environment. This approach transforms what was once an underutilized and fragmented area into a hub of social and cultural interaction, effectively reviving a critical node within the medina.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

Sustainability and community participation were guiding principles throughout the design process. Local materials and traditional building techniques minimized environmental impact and reinforced cultural continuity. The project prioritized authenticity and long-term ownership by involving local artisans not only in construction but also in the ongoing management and maintenance of the square. Existing structures were repaired with minimal intervention, using reversible methods and materials consistent with heritage conservation principles, ensuring that the historic character of the medina is preserved for future generations.

The project also emphasizes environmental performance. Passive strategies such as courtyard orientation, building massing, and material choice maximize natural ventilation and thermal comfort. The inclusion of shaded pedestrian routes and water-sensitive landscaping enhances microclimatic conditions and creates inviting public spaces even in the peak summer heat. Through these strategies, the project exemplifies a sustainable model for urban regeneration in heritage contexts, balancing ecological responsibility with human-centered design.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The revitalized Lalla Yeddouna Square now functions as a model for heritage-led urban renewal. It successfully integrates historic preservation, local craftsmanship, environmental design, and contemporary urban programming. The project reanimates a vital portion of the Fez medina, creating a space where the community and visitors can engage, learn, and enjoy cultural and social activities. It demonstrates that respect for history and commitment to contemporary needs are not mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously to produce resilient, vibrant, and socially meaningful urban spaces.

Through its thoughtful approach, the project has fostered a sense of pride and ownership among local residents, while providing a highly legible and welcoming environment for visitors. The careful calibration of public, semi-public, and private spaces ensures that Lalla Yeddouna Square continues to thrive as a living, breathing part of the medina. Its fusion of historical respect, artisanal tradition, ecological responsiveness, and modern design makes it a benchmark for future initiatives in heritage cities worldwide.

Photography: Amine Houari & Antoine Mossessian