Elie Azagury

Elie Azagury was the first Moroccan modernist architect and a pivotal figure in post-independence Moroccan architecture. He led GAMMA (Groupe des Architectes Modernes Marocains) after independence in 1956.

Morocco Connection

Azagury designed modular public housing (cités) in Casablanca's Hay Hassani that combined modern and vernacular architecture, taking local culture and lifestyles into account. His experimental private villas in Anfa and Ain Diab — inspired by Richard Neutra and Oscar Niemeyer — defined Casablanca's mid-century residential architecture. Villa Azagury, Villa Suissa, and Villa Benkirane are landmarks. He feared independence would bring a return to vernacular pastiche, but instead championed a Moroccan modernism that was both local and universal.

Key Works

Villa Azagury, Villa Suissa, Villa Benkirane, Hay Hassani housing (all Casablanca)