Fez — The Fondation Jardin Majorelle has launched a new national architecture competition aimed at supporting contemporary creation and emerging Moroccan talent.
Announced yesterday, the initiative invites young architects to design the second Temporary Pavilion at the Villa Oasis, one of the most emblematic cultural sites in Marrakech.
Officially titled the “Fondation Jardin Majorelle Prize,” the contest is open exclusively to Moroccan architects under the age of 40. More than a call for proposals, the foundation presents the project as a concrete opportunity for a new generation of designers to build a public structure within a world-renowned heritage site.
From heritage to contemporary creation
The new competition follows the Jardin Majorelle’s centenary celebrations and builds on a first temporary pavilion unveiled in June 2025. That inaugural structure was designed by Moroccan architect Hiba Bensalek, and it demonstrated how contemporary architecture could engage respectfully with the site’s history, vegetation, and symbolic weight.
According to the foundation, the 2026 pavilion is intended as a continuation of that vision. Candidates are invited to imagine an ephemeral structure that balances architectural boldness with sensitivity to context, reinforcing the dialogue between tradition and modern creation.
An ecological and immersive challenge
The future pavilion will be installed within the lush environment of the Jardin Majorelle and must respond to strict environmental and aesthetic criteria. The project brief emphasizes sustainability, the use of responsible materials, and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.
Beyond its physical presence, the pavilion is conceived as an immersive experience for visitors. Organizers describe it as a space where architecture should function simultaneously as structure, narrative, and emotional gesture, offering a new way of inhabiting the garden.
A jury and an international platform
The competition jury will be chaired by Madison Cox, President of the Fondation Jardin Majorelle, and will include leading figures from the worlds of architecture and culture. The winning proposal will be constructed and opened to the public in autumn 2026, ensuring immediate visibility for its creator.
For the laureate, the prize represents both symbolic and practical recognition. In addition to having their work installed at one of Morocco’s most visited cultural sites, the winner will benefit from national and international media exposure.
How to apply
Applications will open on February 16 and close on April 15. Candidates are required to submit proof of identity, a biography, a statement of intent, a professional portfolio, and a preliminary design sketch outlining the concept of the proposed pavilion. The winner will be announced on May 15.
Through this initiative, the Fondation Jardin Majorelle reinforces its broader mission of preserving heritage while actively supporting contemporary artistic and architectural expression. By opening its gates to young Moroccan architects, the foundation positions the garden not only as a site of memory, but also as a living space for experimentation and future-facing creativity.
