Project: Grand Stade Hassan II
Architecture: Populous & Oualalou + Choi Reveal
Geo: Casablanca, MA
The best way to understand a country’s culture is through dialogue with locals. I haven’t been to Morocco, but Moroccan architect Amin Hallaf worked at Gork Studio for several years. One could talk at length about the mentality, worldview, and tear-jerking jokes with a unique Arab-French flair. But seriously, the definition of humor aligns well with the approach to architectural projects: the ornamental detailing and monumental grandeur of Arab culture intertwine closely with the classical culture of France. This cocktail forms a distinctive image of modern Moroccan architecture.
Today’s project is proof of that. Despite its size, the stadium does not overwhelm the viewer; it organically fits into its surroundings, creating a silhouette reminiscent of either a tent or mountains, while the detailing of elements will make one feel comfortable both close up and inside the stadium.
Interestingly, the architectural collaboration includes the firm Populous, who designed the Sphere-Smile in Las Vegas. I wouldn’t be surprised if their CEO has a marketing background: every project seems like an event.
P. S. I don’t often publish raw conceptual architectural renders in magazines, so I want to draw the attention of visualizers to a major mistake: avoid mindless distribution of people in perspectives, especially in bird’s-eye views. Even SD won’t help you smooth things over. This mess spoils the impression of the project. If you can’t do it well, it’s better to submit renders without people.
@gorkjournal
Architecture: Populous & Oualalou + Choi Reveal
Geo: Casablanca, MA
The best way to understand a country’s culture is through dialogue with locals. I haven’t been to Morocco, but Moroccan architect Amin Hallaf worked at Gork Studio for several years. One could talk at length about the mentality, worldview, and tear-jerking jokes with a unique Arab-French flair. But seriously, the definition of humor aligns well with the approach to architectural projects: the ornamental detailing and monumental grandeur of Arab culture intertwine closely with the classical culture of France. This cocktail forms a distinctive image of modern Moroccan architecture.
Today’s project is proof of that. Despite its size, the stadium does not overwhelm the viewer; it organically fits into its surroundings, creating a silhouette reminiscent of either a tent or mountains, while the detailing of elements will make one feel comfortable both close up and inside the stadium.
Interestingly, the architectural collaboration includes the firm Populous, who designed the Sphere-Smile in Las Vegas. I wouldn’t be surprised if their CEO has a marketing background: every project seems like an event.
P. S. I don’t often publish raw conceptual architectural renders in magazines, so I want to draw the attention of visualizers to a major mistake: avoid mindless distribution of people in perspectives, especially in bird’s-eye views. Even SD won’t help you smooth things over. This mess spoils the impression of the project. If you can’t do it well, it’s better to submit renders without people.
@gorkjournal