The 2023 World Bank and IMF village in Morocco is a circular centrepiece of alliance and celebration

Moroccan traditional design inspires the 2023 World Bank and IMF village overlooking the walled city of Marrakech

the 2023 World Bank and IMF village in Morocco
(Image credit: Luc Boegly)

The 2023 World Bank and IMF village in Morocco has been unveiled, revealing a circular structure of light canopies creating a space of alliance and celebration. 

Set within a 40-hectare site adjacent to the walls of Marrakech, the structure was designed by architecture studio OUALALOU + CHOI, whose fresh thinking crafted a vision of contemporary city planning for the village. Following the same canopy design principles shown in their design for COP22 village, the architects aimed to create a facility to host some 14000 people for the duration of a week. The project envisions a second life for the buildings after the annual meeting is over, expanding the idea of what sustainable architecture could be for large event spaces.

The World Bank and IMF 2023 village in Morocco

(Image credit: Luc Boegly)

Step inside the 2023 World Bank and IMF village in Morocco

Tradition is at the heart of this design, and architects and studio co-founders Tarik Oualalou and Linna Cho knew it was important to integrate the nomadic tradition of mouseems (annual harvest, religious, and cultural festivals) in The Moroccan Pavilion embedded in the centre of the village's Town Square; encouraging visitors to explore and learn about Moroccan history and the country's rich culture. 

The World Bank and IMF 2023 village in Morocco

(Image credit: Luc Boegly)

The pavilion was constructed from rammed earth panels attached to a steel structure. It houses a variety of exhibition spaces, as well as four Moroccan gardens inspired by the country's kasbahs.

The World Bank and IMF 2023 village in Morocco

(Image credit: Luc Boegly)

The building itself is constructed of vibrant local red earth. The arch-shaped walkthroughs have a ceremonial essence with the wooden framework showcasing the raw inner workings of the space.

The World Bank and IMF 2023 village in Morocco

(Image credit: Luc Boegly)

The village is united under a draping grand canopy, in keeping with authentic Moroccan design, which creates a shaded path for the main area of circulation to the event space. The canopy subtly divides the village into four neighbourhoods, to host different events. Each neighbourhood is uniquely designed and inspired by the ecology and geography of Morocco, with flora indigenous to each region planted in careful horticultural orchestration.

The World Bank and IMF 2023 village in Morocco

(Image credit: Luc Boegly)

The delegates have a choice of 650 office spaces that are housed in wooden structures mirroring the exterior design. OUALALOU + CHOI took repurposing of the building to another level making it a space that benefits the community. Each of the 48 wooden structures will be dismantled, transported, and readapted as educational buildings in Morocco.

The World Bank and IMF village 2023 in Morocco

(Image credit: Luc Boegly)

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Tianna Williams is the Editorial Executive at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she has contributed to BBC Wales, SurfGirl Magazine, and Parisian Vibe, with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial. Now, her role covers writing across varying content pillars for Wallpaper*.