Salima Naji
Since 2017, Salima Naji has been managing the large-scale rebuilding of the historical city of Agadir, following an earthquake in 1960. Her architecture acts as a campaign for building conservation with an environmental focus.
Citadelle d'Agadir Kasbah Salima Naji
Meet Salima Naji
Naji was born in Rabat, Morocco. She studied art and later architecture in Paris, and holds a PhD in anthropology. Her multidisciplinary studies come together in a practice that combines aesthetics, technical skills, economy of materials and the desire to understand and involve local communities.
In a country that has been repeatedly devastated by earthquakes (most recently in 2023), Naji's architecture seeks to sensitively restore communities. Her work at Agadir Oufella combines vernacular techniques with wood wedged within stone walls to create earthquake-resistant building in a historical context. She has taken these techniques and shared them with workers re-constructing buildings that were destroyed in 2023. Her practice seeks to foster a sense of community, create jobs, and celebrate heritage and tradition while looking to the future.
Her work is not only beautiful, but anthropological and highly intellectual. The jury wished to recognise her for setting the standard for work in this field.
Gallery
Amtoudi, Morroco, Granaries Project 2002-24, Salima Naji
Agadir, Morocco; Salima Naji
Taghjijt, Morocco; Salima Naji
Taghjijt, Morocco; Salima Naji
Discover the Royal Academy Dorfman Prize
The RA Dorfman Prize is awarded to an architect, practice or collective who are reimagining the future of architecture and taking into consideration geographical and socio-political challenges.