Wall of Knowledge: A Monument to Education

An Architectural Tribute to Knowledge and Tolerance

The Wall of Knowledge is a unique architectural project that combines functionality with symbolic design. The building's protective and hermetic character is a tribute to the architecture of the old Portuguese city of El Jadida. Covered with local stones, the school's main entrance symbolizes the strength of knowledge and know-how. The metallic Moucharabieh skin, adorned with a "universal alphabet", serves as a symbol of tolerance, protecting the interior from the sun and prying eyes.

The school was built for the children of OCP employees and is a unique construction project in its own right. The reinforced concrete structure is adorned with COR-TEN steel, local stone, wood acoustic panels, and a resin floor. The self-supporting structure system for the sports hall and the plasterboard acoustic ceiling are other notable features of this design.

The compactness of the building reduces the distances traveled by the students. The lobby is connected to all spaces of the building, through the passageways and walkways that surround the central courtyard. The school is also designed to be accessible to persons with reduced mobility, with detailed signage and display and sound tools to simplify the daily activity of all users.

The Wall of Knowledge project was started in May 2016 and completed in August 2017. Despite the challenges posed by the irregular shape of the plot, the design team managed to distribute the project spatially into three regular areas. The compactness of the buildings freed a large area in the north for the future construction of a high school. The unaligned position of the two buildings opens the views on the neighborhood, and the roof of technical rooms serves as bleachers for the nearby sports area.

The Wall of Knowledge is more than just a school; it's a symbol of resistance against the high illiteracy rate in Morocco. By providing a conducive learning environment for over 570 students every year, the school is playing a crucial role in the development of the country and the improvement of the living conditions of millions of Moroccans.

The Wall of Knowledge is not just an architectural marvel; it's a testament to the power of design in shaping the future of education. The school's unique design and the thoughtfulness that went into its creation have earned it the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.