Making
43 materials and techniques used across 28 buildings.
zellige
10 buildingsHand-cut geometric mosaic tilework, a defining element of Moroccan architecture since the 10th century. Each piece (tessera) is individually chiseled from a glazed tile to create mathematically precise interlocking patterns.
stone
9 buildingscarved stucco
8 buildingscedarwood
6 buildingsmarble
6 buildingsglass
5 buildingsconcrete
5 buildingssteel
4 buildingsbrick
3 buildingscarved cedarwood
3 buildingssandstone
2 buildingspisé
2 buildingsRammed earth construction, one of Morocco's oldest and most widespread building techniques. Layers of damp earth are compacted within wooden formwork to create load-bearing walls up to 60 cm thick.
stucco
2 buildingsceramic
1 buildingstone columns
1 buildingcarved stone
1 buildingonyx marble
1 buildingbronze
1 buildinggold
1 buildingcedar
1 buildingmarble (reused from El Badi and Volubilis)
1 buildingCarrara marble
1 buildingreinforced concrete
1 buildingzellige-inspired ornament
1 buildingwrought iron
1 buildingpolicy (not a building)
1 buildingpainted concrete
1 buildingexotic plants
1 buildingtadelakt
1 buildingA waterproof lime plaster technique originating in Morocco, traditionally used in hammams and water vessels. Made from limestone fired at 900°C from the Marrakech region, burnished with river stones and sealed with olive oil soap.