Centre de Congrès by Bofill Taller de Arquitectura

With its growing academic influence, the Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique sought to establish a strong architectural identity for its expanding presence. The Rabat campus, inaugurated in late 2024, reflects this ambition through the Centre de Congrès—a multifunctional hub designed to support a wide range of gatherings, including academic talks, public events, and industry symposia. Yet the project was envisioned to go beyond function; it was meant to enrich campus life and reinforce the university’s evolving character.

A Connector Within the Masterplan

Strategically placed between two distinct development zones of the campus, the conference center serves as a spatial and symbolic bridge. It physically links a formal avenue of academic buildings with a denser, more organic cluster of facilities. This sense of movement and transition is echoed in the building’s architecture—particularly in the rhythmic colonnades along its perimeter. These porticos guide visitors inward, where vibrant tiles used on the exterior ground plane reappear on the building’s surfaces, blurring the boundaries between outside and in.

This gesture of continuity is part of a broader “total design” approach. From urban strategy to interior details, equal emphasis was placed on every scale of the project. Finishes, material palettes, and even furniture were selected to align with the building’s conceptual narrative and user experience.

Geometry as Experience

At the core of the design are two powerful geometric figures: the circle and the square. A monumental circular wall, free-standing and sculptural, encircles the building’s main auditorium, which takes the shape of a perfect square. This central pairing organizes the spatial logic of the entire center. Nestled within the perimeter formed by the circle are smaller theaters, lounges, breakout rooms, food and beverage zones, and service areas—all seamlessly interconnected.

The outdoor areas are equally considered, with courtyards that open toward the natural landscape, offering visual relief and outdoor seating areas that take advantage of views over sports fields and wooded edges.

Invitation Through Form

One of the building’s most distinctive features is the treatment of its circular shell. Instead of a continuous enclosure, the wall features grand, open arches that touch the ground only at key structural points—primarily the corners. This creates a porous, inviting boundary that encourages movement in and out of the space while maintaining a dramatic architectural rhythm. The resulting atmosphere is one of openness and possibility, suitable for the diverse programming and spontaneous interactions that the center is meant to host.

A Cultural and Social Anchor

By blending expressive form with clear functional intent, the Centre de Congrès contributes not only as an event space but also as a cultural anchor for the Rabat campus. Its sculptural presence, sensitive placement, and cohesive materiality make it more than just a building—it becomes a landmark for collaboration, creativity, and community life within the university.