BRUTALISM: 'THE GEM OF MOROCCO'S CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD CULTURE'
Lahbib El Moumni2020, Agadir, Building the Modern Afropolis
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Abstract
This article offers a comprehensive overview of the development of Brutalist architecture in Morocco from the 1950s to the 1980s, with a particular focus on the reconstruction of Agadir following the 1960 earthquake. It explores how Moroccan architects engaged with international modernist currents, especially through the influence of Michel Écochard and the GAMMA group, and highlights the contributions of key figures such as Zevaco, Azagury, Ben Embarek, and Faraoui. The article argues that Brutalism in Morocco was not a mere imitation of global styles but evolved into a locally grounded architectural language that responded to cultural, climatic, and social specificities—becoming a marker of national identity in the post-independence era. It also traces the shift toward a more regional Brutalism in the 1970s, including collaborations with visual artists like Mohamed Chebaa, Farid Belkahia, and Mohamed Melehi. In its conclusion, the article reflects on the decline of Brutalism in the 1980s due to political and economic shifts, calling for a renewed appreciation of this architectural heritage, seen as “the gem of Morocco’s contribution to world culture.”
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