A 350-Metre Wall Shapes Morocco's Phosphatiers Sports Campus

In a landscape of rocky terrain and sparse development, the Phosphatiers Sports Campus by OUALALOU + CHOI begins with a single move: a 350-metre-long inhabited wall that stretches across the site.

Designed as a regional sports campus, the project brings together a covered swimming pool, gymnasiums, multisport courts, administration facilities, and lodging. Rather than treating these programmes as separate buildings, the architects organised them along the length of the wall, using it to establish a clear structure across a site with few existing points of reference.

Running along the street-facing edge, the wall creates a continuous public realm that extends across the campus. On the other side, the sports facilities are arranged along an internal street that mirrors this outdoor space. Together, these parallel routes connect the different parts of the campus while creating opportunities for interaction between athletes, visitors, and the wider community.

A covered gallery links the various buildings, forming a shaded route through the campus. Defined by a sequence of archways, the structure acts as a brise-soleil while also serving as the project's primary façade. This repeated architectural element gives the campus a consistent identity across its considerable length.

The material palette remains closely tied to the landscape. Earth-coloured concrete reflects the tones of the surrounding desert terrain, allowing the buildings to sit comfortably within their environment. The architecture draws much of its character from these materials and from the way light, shade, and ventilation are handled throughout the project.

Natural ventilation plays a key role in the design of the covered spaces, while solar energy systems contribute to the campus's operational needs. Together, these strategies respond to the demands of the near-desert climate while reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Across the site, the wall acts as infrastructure, circulation, and public space at once. Through this single architectural gesture, OUALALOU + CHOI brings together a diverse programme.