Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, the firm founded by the late Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, has completed the Centre de Congrès on the Rabat campus of Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique. This stately stone structure, central to a larger campus master plan, stands out for its striking emerald auditorium, which forms both the visual and functional heart of the facility.
Architectural Threshold and Spatial Harmony
While monumental in form, the building is conceived as a “dynamic, generous space for a rich combination of people and activities,” according to the firm. Designed to host a range of functions—from faculty lectures and industry conferences to public performances—the Centre de Congrès acts as a spatial threshold between two major campus zones.
This role is further emphasised by expansive porticos, whose beige tile floors extend seamlessly onto the exterior façade. As visitors move from the outdoor patio into the lobby, this material continuity reinforces the concept of passage and openness.
Emerald Immersion in Form and Function
At the heart of the structure lies the main auditorium, enveloped entirely in deep green—from the walls and leather seating to the plush carpeting. This bold, uniform colour creates a dramatic interior atmosphere in stark contrast to the building’s stately exterior.
The square auditorium is encased in deconstructed curvilinear forms, which reflect a geometric dialogue between circles and squares. Above, a radiant halo of ceiling light mimics this interaction, further enhancing the chromatic and spatial depth of the room.
Now open after its Fall 2024 debut, the building also houses smaller auditoriums, meeting rooms, bars, cafes, and circulation spaces—supporting a diverse set of academic and cultural uses. As the anchor to the university’s evolving master plan, the Centre de Congrès sets a bold precedent for institutional architecture in Morocco.