coast in a spirit of modernity, sustainability and innovation. The project, launched on
December 20 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, involves creating an urban public
and corniche along the El Hank embankment. Designed in harmony with its environ
the new promenade will become an extension of the Hassan II Mosque, an architectu
gem and source of Moroccan pride that is one of the economic capital’s must-see
landmarks.
The 5-kilometre coast will offer Casablanca residents and visitors a plethora of new a
complementary uses, based around three main functions: a festive event space, a seas
resort and a nature preserve. They will be able to enjoy new rest areas, walkways, ou
sports and spectacular views of the Atlantic, without leaving the City.
An impactful narrative: a layered sensory experience
Inspired by the classic and multi-tiered Islamic garden, our design offers a formal
procession from the City to the Sea, through a series of landscaped layers.
A first shaded layer defines the entrance to the promenade, as a green park traces a li
between Corniche Blvd. and the shore. The next level of gardens encourages recreatio
leisure, while the following levels are dedicated to walking and the beach.
Mineral and plant layers wander, meander, rise and overlap to create elegant and
integrated landscapes. At street intersections, open public squares act as gates to the s
and connect services such as restaurants, boutiques, fountains, sanitary facilities and
underground parking. An unobstructed view of the sea always dominates, thanks to
integration of facilities and rolling landscape.”
Sustainable strategies
Sustainable development is at the heart of the Lemay approach and feature prominen
in the winning proposal. Several sustainable development strategies were woven into
the new urban design in order to reduce the project’s ecological footprint. Among the
most remarkable is the implementation of an electric tramway as a complement to th
Casablanca coast’s first-ever bicycle path.
A grey-water treatment system using bio filtering gardens has been added to the stra
developed by Lemay and Geodata. Recycling, ecological handling of waste, the use o
materials and plants as well as the revitalization of natural areas will all contribute to
creation of a sustainable environment for the well-being of future generations.
Lemay: Creative intelligence. Collective Value
Founded in 1957 as an architectural practice, Lemay is one of Canada’s leading
integrated design services firms, merging architecture, urban design, interiors, landsc
engineering, sustainability and branding into a multidisciplinary and synergistic ens
With 9 offices worldwide and ranked 7th according to World Architecture (WA), Lem
also one of Canada’s most creative and awarded firms, with over 350 awards and pri
Leveraging its unique blend of creativity, capacity and expertise, Lemay champions i
clients’ aspirations, enhances users’ quality of life and strives to build a brighter futu
our communities. AD
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