The National Union of Moroccan Architects Calls for Quality to be Adopted as a Strategic Choice in Public Policies Related to Construction and Urban Planning

National Conference on Construction Quality Held in Casablanca

In a context marked by accelerated development projects across Morocco and rising challenges related to sustainable urban development, the National Syndicate of Moroccan Architects (SNAP Architecte) organized a national conference in Casablanca titled: "Building Quality: Between Standards, Classifications, and the Architect’s Responsibility," held at the Mohamed Sekkat University Library.

This meeting aligns with a national landscape undergoing significant urban and territorial transformations, responding to the urgent need to rethink "quality in construction" as a central element of any successful development project. It aims to forge an authentic Moroccan vision that merges creativity, cultural specificity, and adherence to environmental and technical standards.

The conference saw participation from numerous architects, real estate developers, project managers, representatives from consultancy firms and official institutions, as well as renowned experts in architecture and urban planning.

In his opening speech, Mr. Hassan Hassan El Menjra Essâadi, president of the National Syndicate of Moroccan Architects, emphasized the union’s deliberate choice to initiate a comprehensive national debate on the issue of quality. He highlighted that the current architectural and climatic context is characterized by marginalization and a lack of adaptation to the needs of citizens and the environment.

He stated, "When we talk about quality, we are not only referring to cities but also to villages, rural areas, and mountains… Quality must be holistic and equitable, covering all regions of the country without distinction."

He also issued a clear call to all stakeholders, asserting that Moroccan architects are fully capable of contributing to the construction of Morocco 2030, an ambitious vision supported by significant projects, provided their role as true conductors of construction is recognized, ensuring quality execution according to the highest standards.

Architect Charafeddine Barada addressed the multiple dimensions of the concept of quality in construction, stressing that quality should not be measured solely in terms of costs or technical means. Rather, it manifests through a spirit of commitment, precise knowledge, and harmonious cooperation among all participants—from architects to contractors, including the workers on site.

He clarified that the quality of a building cannot be achieved without genuinely recognizing the role of each link in the architectural production chain, calling for a greater appreciation of the worker’s contribution. He stated, "The architect can design a perfect project, but its realization on the ground depends on the worker’s efforts."

The conference focused on three main axes:

1. The development of a national quality reference based on Moroccan environmental and territorial specifics, moving away from foreign models.
2. The elevation of the architect’s role, not only as a designer but as a key actor ensuring the project’s quality from planning to execution.
3. The integration of quality as a strategic lever for successfully implementing major national projects in housing, infrastructure, and public facilities.

The conference concluded with a series of professional and institutional recommendations calling for:

• Adoption of quality as a strategic choice in public policies related to construction and urban planning.
• Strengthening coordination among all stakeholders on construction sites by broadening the debate on each party’s responsibilities.
• Promoting the use of local materials and developing classification and accreditation mechanisms suited to Moroccan realities.
• Incorporating environmental and cultural dimensions into quality criteria, harmonizing with sustainability goals and quality of life.

Participants affirmed that this conference represents a foundational step in a long-term process through which the National Syndicate of Moroccan Architects aims to cultivate collective awareness of the importance of quality, while developing new governance tools for projects and reinforcing the architect’s role as a strategic actor in development.