The Morocco pavilion at Expo 2020 merges classic and the contemporary, taking inspiration from the country's ancient villages by using rammed earth construction. "It's about taking ancient techniques and giving them a contemporary presence," says architect Tarik Oualalou.
The Morocco pavilion at Expo 2020 merges classic and the contemporary, taking inspiration from the country's ancient villages by using rammed earth construction. "It's about taking ancient techniques and giving them a contemporary presence," says architect Tarik Oualalou.
Morocco Expo 2020 Dubai
Located in the heart of the Opportunity district, a stone's throw away from the Al Wasl Plaza (the dome pictured), the pavilion is built like a village, consisting of 22 houses stacked on top of each other. It also has 10 gardens that show all Morocco's ecosystems, from desert to the snowy Atlas mountains. "We wanted to give a sense of the diversity of the country and its experiences," says Oualalou.
Located in the heart of the Opportunity district, a stone's throw away from the Al Wasl Plaza (the dome pictured), the pavilion is built like a village, consisting of 22 houses stacked on top of each other. It also has 10 gardens that show all Morocco's ecosystems, from desert to the snowy Atlas mountains. "We wanted to give a sense of the diversity of the country and its experiences," says Oualalou.
Dany Eid/Expo 2020 Dubai
A traditional home in Morocco is built of masonry or earth on the outside and wood on the inside. Oualalou says he took the same approach with the pavilion, using timber for the interior patio which "creates a sense of domestic warmth."
A traditional home in Morocco is built of masonry or earth on the outside and wood on the inside. Oualalou says he took the same approach with the pavilion, using timber for the interior patio which "creates a sense of domestic warmth."
Suneesh Sudhakaran/Expo 2020 Dubai
The pavilion is 33 meters (108 feet) tall and has seven stories. It's centered around a central patio, and has a herbal tea room and delicatessen on site, as well as a boutique, traditional Moroccan restaurant and street food market.
The pavilion is 33 meters (108 feet) tall and has seven stories. It's centered around a central patio, and has a herbal tea room and delicatessen on site, as well as a boutique, traditional Moroccan restaurant and street food market.
David Jimenez/Expo 2020 Dubai
The pavilion's main "street" has doors off to 14 exhibition spaces that offer interactive and educational experiences showcasing Moroccan culture.
The pavilion's main "street" has doors off to 14 exhibition spaces that offer interactive and educational experiences showcasing Moroccan culture.
AFP/Getty Images
Traditional Moroccan rugs feature in the pavilion's central patio. During Expo 2020's opening ceremony, a Moroccan folkloric troupe performed inside the pavilion.
Traditional Moroccan rugs feature in the pavilion's central patio. During Expo 2020's opening ceremony, a Moroccan folkloric troupe performed inside the pavilion.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
The carbon footprint of the building is next to nothing, says Oualalou, as it was built only using local materials found within a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius of the pavilion's location.
The carbon footprint of the building is next to nothing, says Oualalou, as it was built only using local materials found within a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius of the pavilion's location.
Suneesh Sudhakaran/Expo 2020 Dubai
When Expo 2020 ends, the Morocco pavilion will live on, as it is being converted into a housing complex, including a swimming pool, a fitness club and a shared lounge. In leaving a lasting legacy, the pavilion won't be alone as Expo organizers say that more than 80% of the infrastructure will remain in place.
When Expo 2020 ends, the Morocco pavilion will live on, as it is being converted into a housing complex, including a swimming pool, a fitness club and a shared lounge. In leaving a lasting legacy, the pavilion won't be alone as Expo organizers say that more than 80% of the infrastructure will remain in place.
Suneesh Sudhakaran/Expo 2020 Dubai
Oualalou hopes that by demonstrating that such an ancient building technique can be used on a greater scale and for the long-term, he will be able to inspire future housing solutions. "It shows to the world that you can do it," he says. "By demonstrating that we can create and build it here, it allows us to convincingly propose it on a much larger scale in other places."
Oualalou hopes that by demonstrating that such an ancient building technique can be used on a greater scale and for the long-term, he will be able to inspire future housing solutions. "It shows to the world that you can do it," he says. "By demonstrating that we can create and build it here, it allows us to convincingly propose it on a much larger scale in other places."
David Jimenez/Expo 2020 Dubai
Inside the Morocco pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

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CNN  — 

World Expos have long been a playground for architects and inventors to showcase their vision for the future, and this year’s is no different. Expo 2020 Dubai, which opened its gates in October after being delayed by the pandemic, has a central theme of “connecting minds, creating the future.”

There is a spotlight on sustainability, which after a year of global floods, droughts, wildfires and heatwaves, couldn’t be more timely. The Morocco pavilion, designed by Tarik Oualalou, presents a vision for more sustainable housing.

Constructed of rammed earth, an ancient technique used in Moroccan villages, the pavilion offers an alternative to carbon-intensive steel or concrete. It was built using only materials found within a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius of its location, Oualalou tells CNN.

“What we wanted to do is lift this tradition from the vernacular into almost an industrial dimension,” he says. “It’s the highest building ever built with this technology.”

Expo 2020 Dubai is now open, revealing a spectacular array of pavilions, many designed by world-famous architects. The UAE pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a sight to behold, shaped like a falcon -- the country's national bird -- in flight. The structure is topped by falcon-wing shapes made of carbon fiber and fitted with solar panels.
UAE pavilion —
Expo 2020 Dubai is now open, revealing a spectacular array of pavilions, many designed by world-famous architects. The UAE pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a sight to behold, shaped like a falcon -- the country's national bird -- in flight. The structure is topped by falcon-wing shapes made of carbon fiber and fitted with solar panels.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
A series of blue boxes draped in fired clay balls make up the Iran pavilion. Each box showcases different elements of the country's culture, tradition and handicrafts. Streams of water accompany visitors down walkways and into the pavilion, designed by architects Shift Process Practice.
Iran pavilion —
A series of blue boxes draped in fired clay balls make up the Iran pavilion. Each box showcases different elements of the country's culture, tradition and handicrafts. Streams of water accompany visitors down walkways and into the pavilion, designed by architects Shift Process Practice.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
"Innovating for a shared future" is the theme of the UK pavilion. Designed by Es Devlin Studio, it offers to take visitors on a digital journey through the UK's role in space and artificial intelligence. The theme is reflected in the facade, which features continuously changing collective message generated by AI and visitors' contributions.
"Innovating for a shared future" is the theme of the UK pavilion. Designed by Es Devlin Studio, it offers to take visitors on a digital journey through the UK's role in space and artificial intelligence. The theme is reflected in the facade, which features continuously changing collective message generated by AI and visitors' contributions.
Kamran Jebreili/AP
The network of vertical aluminum panels that hangs like a cloud over timber structures is a key element of the Australia pavilion, designed by bureau^proberts. The "cloud" even lights up in the evening to mimic "the ancient and rugged landscape of Australia." Inside, the pavilion explores 60,000 years of Australian innovation, culture and creativity.
Australia pavilion —
The network of vertical aluminum panels that hangs like a cloud over timber structures is a key element of the Australia pavilion, designed by bureau^proberts. The "cloud" even lights up in the evening to mimic "the ancient and rugged landscape of Australia." Inside, the pavilion explores 60,000 years of Australian innovation, culture and creativity.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
Designed by Al Jabal Engineering, the Pakistan pavilion offers multi-sensory installations encapsulated in walls of color. The colorful fa?ade is a "reflection of the beautiful changing seasons the country experiences, one of the most diverse on Earth," according to its designer, Rashid Rana. Inside, Pakistan's "hidden treasures" are showcased, including its spiritual traditions, history and sustainability initiatives.
Pakistan pavilion —
Designed by Al Jabal Engineering, the Pakistan pavilion offers multi-sensory installations encapsulated in walls of color. The colorful fa?ade is a "reflection of the beautiful changing seasons the country experiences, one of the most diverse on Earth," according to its designer, Rashid Rana. Inside, Pakistan's "hidden treasures" are showcased, including its spiritual traditions, history and sustainability initiatives.
Kamran Jebreili/AP
The Russia pavilion, designed by Tchoban SPEECH, is a huge dome covered by strings of giant multi-colored tubes. It's meant to symbolize the question: How do we find our place in an interconnected world? Inside, it explores scientific advancements and creative innovations past and present.
The Russia pavilion, designed by Tchoban SPEECH, is a huge dome covered by strings of giant multi-colored tubes. It's meant to symbolize the question: How do we find our place in an interconnected world? Inside, it explores scientific advancements and creative innovations past and present.
Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images
A combination of traditional Arabesque and Japanese Asanoha patterns form the fa?ade of the Japan pavilion, meant to symbolize the crossover of culture between Japan and the Middle East. Inside the structure, designed by Yuko Nagayama and Associates, visitors can see 3D art installations.
A combination of traditional Arabesque and Japanese Asanoha patterns form the fa?ade of the Japan pavilion, meant to symbolize the crossover of culture between Japan and the Middle East. Inside the structure, designed by Yuko Nagayama and Associates, visitors can see 3D art installations.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
The Swiss Pavilion, "Reflections," represents the country's traditions and spectacular landscapes. Designed by architects OOS, its giant interactive mirror fa?ade reflects the red carpet that leads to it, to show the national flag. Inside, a "crystal cave" showcases technology, innovation and scientific achievements through immersive displays, before visitors are led through a "sea of fog."
The Swiss Pavilion, "Reflections," represents the country's traditions and spectacular landscapes. Designed by architects OOS, its giant interactive mirror fa?ade reflects the red carpet that leads to it, to show the national flag. Inside, a "crystal cave" showcases technology, innovation and scientific achievements through immersive displays, before visitors are led through a "sea of fog."
Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images
Built from reusable materials -- fabric, iron and wood -- the Spain pavilion is intended to promote sustainability. The structure, designed by Amann-Canovas-Maruri, is made of cone shaped "solar chimneys" that cool the pavilion and highlight Spain's links with the Arab world.
Built from reusable materials -- fabric, iron and wood -- the Spain pavilion is intended to promote sustainability. The structure, designed by Amann-Canovas-Maruri, is made of cone shaped "solar chimneys" that cool the pavilion and highlight Spain's links with the Arab world.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
Designed by Italian architect Marco Pestalozza, the Kuwait pavilion is a digital showpiece, displaying images of the country's landscapes on its fa?ade, and showcasing a vision for the country's future. Water towers stretch upwards through each level of the structure, symbolizing Kuwait's "commitment to sustainability and water security."
Designed by Italian architect Marco Pestalozza, the Kuwait pavilion is a digital showpiece, displaying images of the country's landscapes on its fa?ade, and showcasing a vision for the country's future. Water towers stretch upwards through each level of the structure, symbolizing Kuwait's "commitment to sustainability and water security."
Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images
The German pavilion, themed as "Campus Germany," invites visitors to explore a "curriculum" covering energy, cities of the future and biodiversity within its "labs." The Graduation Hall features swinging seats and during a "graduation ceremony," visitors are encouraged to swing in unison to reflect how great achievements come from working together. The building, a vertical ensemble of cuboids, was designed by Facts And Fiction and LAVA.
The German pavilion, themed as "Campus Germany," invites visitors to explore a "curriculum" covering energy, cities of the future and biodiversity within its "labs." The Graduation Hall features swinging seats and during a "graduation ceremony," visitors are encouraged to swing in unison to reflect how great achievements come from working together. The building, a vertical ensemble of cuboids, was designed by Facts And Fiction and LAVA.
Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images
Baden-Württemberg is a state in southwest Germany, and is the only national state to have its own pavilion in Dubai. Built by NüSSLI Adunic, with a distinctive timber frame, visitors can activate digital flowers in the landscape using their smartphones and explore different topics through augmented reality.
Baden-Württemberg is a state in southwest Germany, and is the only national state to have its own pavilion in Dubai. Built by NüSSLI Adunic, with a distinctive timber frame, visitors can activate digital flowers in the landscape using their smartphones and explore different topics through augmented reality.
Ryan Lim/picture alliance/Getty Images
Egypt's ancient civilization meets its vision for the future in its pavilion. Designed by Egyptian Hazem Hamada, the pavilion is decorated in hieroglyphs, while inside, giant screens explore the country's legacy and progress. The Great Pyramid of Giza is represented by the triangular gate through which visitors enter. Once inside, visitors are met with archaeological artifacts and interactive displays.
Egypt's ancient civilization meets its vision for the future in its pavilion. Designed by Egyptian Hazem Hamada, the pavilion is decorated in hieroglyphs, while inside, giant screens explore the country's legacy and progress. The Great Pyramid of Giza is represented by the triangular gate through which visitors enter. Once inside, visitors are met with archaeological artifacts and interactive displays.
AFP/Getty Images
The six-story Saudi Arabia Pavilion, designed by Boris Micka, is the second-largest pavilion after that of the UAE, and has a sloping, rectangular structure. The "Heritage" escalator takes visitors up to experience the country's history and culture, while the "Future" escalator takes them down to explore modern Saudi Arabia through an LED mirror screen and an interactive water feature. The pavilion has been awarded the LEED Platinum Certificate for sustainability.
The six-story Saudi Arabia Pavilion, designed by Boris Micka, is the second-largest pavilion after that of the UAE, and has a sloping, rectangular structure. The "Heritage" escalator takes visitors up to experience the country's history and culture, while the "Future" escalator takes them down to explore modern Saudi Arabia through an LED mirror screen and an interactive water feature. The pavilion has been awarded the LEED Platinum Certificate for sustainability.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
Not a pavilion, but a remarkable design nonetheless, the Al Wasl Plaza is the heart of Expo 2020, connecting the three thematic districts, Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. Al Wasl is the historic name for Dubai and also means "connection." The plaza holds the world's largest 360-degree projection dome. Made of 13.6 kilometers of steel, and designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the trellis steelwork forms the Expo logo.
Not a pavilion, but a remarkable design nonetheless, the Al Wasl Plaza is the heart of Expo 2020, connecting the three thematic districts, Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. Al Wasl is the historic name for Dubai and also means "connection." The plaza holds the world's largest 360-degree projection dome. Made of 13.6 kilometers of steel, and designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the trellis steelwork forms the Expo logo.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
Expo 2020 Dubai unveils its eye-catching pavilions

The 108-foot-high building is airy, centered around a courtyard like in traditional Moroccan riad homes, and the thickness of the walls helps to keep the interior up to 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than outside, explains Oualalou. This means that very few spaces in the pavilion are air conditioned, he says – quite remarkable in Dubai where temperatures can soar more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Read: 50-foot giants inside Expo’s Mobility pavilion

Not only is the pavilion built like a Moroccan village, consisting of 22 houses stacked on top of each other connected by a single winding street, but it will also become real housing. In five months, when the Expo ends, the pavilion will be transformed into a block of apartments.

“The sense of community we’re creating will then last longer,” says Oualalou.

Look through the gallery above to discover the Morocco pavilion in detail.