BORDER BONDS

"BORDER BONDS" reimagines the border between Morocco and Western Sahara as a space of connection rather than conflict. While borders around the world have increasingly become symbols of fear, racism, and division, this project sees them as opportunities for cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and human dignity. Situated within the berm zone—a contested and symbolic terrain—the proposal offers a hopeful alternative by integrating spatial infrastructure with regional identity and social function.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Moroccan architecture, the design incorporates arches, circles, and dyeing structures to create a multifunctional hub for migrants, refugees, and local entrepreneurs. The buildings are spatially organized through rhythmic curves and circular skylights, fostering light-filled, dynamic interiors that promote both practical use and human interaction. The use of repeated arch forms creates not only order but also a sense of unity and belonging.

The program includes processing spaces, bathing areas, public courtyards, and reading rooms, all aimed at supporting the transitional needs of travelers while promoting community engagement. The exterior dyeing frames double as both cultural expression and environmental tools. Oriented along the natural slope of the berm, these frames harvest dew and rainwater, linking with an underground water network to support dyeing vats and surrounding vegetation.

This integration of traditional craft, passive environmental strategies, and socially responsible programming turns a place of tension into a regenerative landscape. By transforming the border into a bridge for people, stories, and futures, the project embodies a vision of shared resilience and peaceful coexistence.