Moroccan architecture has received a major international distinction in Paris, with architect Salima Naji awarded the Grand Prix of the 2026 Design Awards organized by the Arab World Institute (IMA).
Naji was recognized for the Tiznit Heritage Interpretation Center, a project built in rammed earth within the historic city walls of Tiznit. The building reflects her long-standing approach to preserving Morocco’s architectural heritage while adapting it to contemporary needs.
Receiving the award during a ceremony at the IMA, Naji described the distinction as deeply moving and as recognition of two decades of work. She highlighted in particular the value of an approach to heritage that looks beyond preservation alone and seeks to give historic architecture a future.
Based in Tiznit since 2008, Naji has developed a career at the intersection of architecture, heritage and the humanities. She studied architecture in Paris before earning a doctorate in social anthropology, followed by postgraduate studies focused on aesthetics, arts and image technologies, as well as philosophy of art.
The Grand Prix places her project at the forefront of a competition that has quickly established itself as an important event on the Paris design calendar. For the fourth edition of the IMA Design Award, 26 projects were shortlisted, reflecting a broad range of contemporary creative work from across the Arab world.
Morocco was particularly well represented this year, with five Moroccan creators reaching the finalist stage. Their presence underlines the growing international visibility of Moroccan design and architecture, particularly through projects that combine contemporary innovation with sustainability and cultural identity.
The winning project in Tiznit illustrates that approach through its use of rammed earth, a construction technique deeply connected to Morocco’s architectural traditions. Integrated into the historic urban fabric, the center demonstrates how traditional materials and contemporary architectural thinking can coexist.
Created by the Arab World Institute in 2023, the IMA Design Award recognizes outstanding work in design, architecture and crafts while highlighting the creative expertise and cultural identities of the Arab world.
The finalist projects, including those presented by the Moroccan creators, are on display at the Arab World Institute in Paris through September 20 as part of Paris Design Week.
