Moroccan-Canadian

Aziza Chaouni

Aziza Chaouni is an architect and professor at the University of Toronto whose practice bridges preservation, sustainability, and cultural identity.

Morocco Connection

Chaouni led the restoration of the Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fes — one of the world's oldest libraries, containing manuscripts from the 9th century. Her approach combined traditional Moroccan building techniques with contemporary conservation science, installing a canal system to manage Fes's notoriously difficult water table while preserving the medieval fabric. She has also worked on sustainable architecture projects across Morocco and given a widely-viewed TED talk on the future of Fes's medina.

Key Works

Al-Qarawiyyin Library restoration (Fes, 2012–2016)

Buildings on This Site

Al-Qarawiyyin Fes →

Sources

  1. TED Talk: Aziza Chaouni — How I brought a river and my city back to life
  2. University of Toronto faculty profile