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Moroccan architecture is a term describing Moroccan architectural style. Morocco is in Northern-Africa bordering the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The country’s diverse geography and the land’s long history of being fought over by many countries are the major reasons why the country has developed its own distinctively charming architectural styles. Its unique architecture reflects the country’s rich cultural and historical identity and heritage.

History
Morocco’s first independent state called the Berber kingdom of Mauretania was ruled by the Berbers clan. It was first documented during 110 BC. During the time of the Berbers, the country has been through several sieges by a number of invaders. Nevertheless, the Berbers ritual and beliefs still remained and became the country’s cultural heritage including its antique architecture. The Berbers are known for their use of earth or mud brick called pisé (French). Many of the massive pisé buildings had defensive functions as main trading posts and ports or guard walls against pirates and rivals. This ancient building method prevails in all sizes of buildings. Since pisé is a water- permeable material, the foundation is required to be rebuilt regularly; however, the repeating use of forms, materials and patterns resulted as Morocco’s distinctive architecture. Moreover, Moroccan traditional architecture also gained influences from neighboring countries and intruders.

Islam
Morocco was not originally an Islamic state; however, its conversion of religion greatly influenced the overall architectural style of the country. The elegance of Islamic features is blended in and adapted into buildings and interior designs such as the use of tiling, fountains, geometric design and floral motifs. Which could be seen in mosques, palaces, plazas as well as homes.
 * Tiling – Mosaic tiling is use to decorate surfaces of both architecture and objects. The tiling concept was brought to the country by the Persians.
 * Fountains – Before the conversion, water was already an important part of Moroccan culture; however, Islam made water much more important functionally because Muslim needs to clean themselves before praying. Thus, fountains, also representing paradise, could be found everywhere in order to serve everyone.
 * Mosques – Due to the change of religion, numbers of mosques were built in Morocco. Still their mosques differ from the others because they do not face Mecca like the other countries.
 * Geometric Design and Floral Motifs – Based on Islamic beliefs, avoiding the use of human or animal images is preferable resulting in the spread of floral motifs and geometric patterns. The motifs are apply to ordinary materials or surfaces.

Spanish
There is similarity between southern Spanish and Moroccan cultures in terms of identical climate and elaborate design details. The spread of Spanish art started with the Spanish immigration during the 1500s, the new conferee influenced Moroccan tiling, use of arches and the Great Andalusian-style garden.
 * Tiling – Overlapping roof tiling became popular after the influence of Spain; the tiles are mostly hand glazed.
 * Arches – Arches are common feature in Morocco, which can be divided into two types. The first arch is the horseshoe which is clover shaped. The second is cusped shaped like a rounded keyhole. These arches are called Moorish arches.
 * Andalusian gardens – The landscape of the famous Alhambra garden in Grenada is the greatest inspiration for Moroccan public and private gardens.

French
France occupied Morocco in 1912. Later, as a result of the unorganized growth of real estate in the late 1800s to early 1900s, the French protector declared regulations for building standards which directly affected the architecture at that time, as follows: The building regulations maintain the country’s preexisting architectural features and balanced the rapid urbanization.
 * 1) Buildings could not be higher than four stories.
 * 2) Land use regulation required twenty percent of a planned area to be courtyards or gardens.
 * 3) Balconies must not overlook neighboring residences.
 * 4) Roofs of all buildings should be flat.

Dar/Riad
Dar or Raid is known as Moroccan traditional house which normally has more than two stories with a courtyard.

Villas
Villas are larger stand-alone housing in the urbanized area which do not need to follow traditional architectural style.

Arches
Arches are used in almost every aspect of Moroccan housing whether it is doors, entrances, windows or niches.

Domes
The dome shapes are often integrated with altars or commemoratory monuments as well as modern villas.

Doors
Villas’ interior doors are usually oversized and decorative. In contrast, very small doors are used in dars. Doors are often adorned with delicate metal work, carving or color.

Windows
In contrast with doors, windows are less noteworthy in Moroccan architecture. They are normally arched glass panes with fewer adornments compared to doors.

Mashrabiya
Mashrabiya is an Islamic dowel work, made by carving large wood partitions in complex or elaborate patterns. Its purpose is to conceal the women from the visitor’s prying eyes according to Islamic tradition.

Fountain
Fountain is one of the most notable features in every house, often made of marble or cement. It is built in the heart of the courtyard, living room or guest room.

Woodwork
Woodwork can be found in both urbanized and more traditional areas of Morocco. The woodwork serves as the main finishing. This intricate woodwork can be found on various surfaces of buildings especially the interiors, such as wall, ceiling window, gallery and balcony. The wood itself does not need to be finished or painted after the long process of delicate carving.

Metalwork
Copper, bronze, iron and brass are materials commonly used for studs, door knobs, window frames and door frames as well as room partitions.

Ceramic
There are wide ranges of ceramic production in Morocco. The painted and glazed ceramics are used for architectural work and tableware. Some are commonly used as roof tiling and decorative mosaic. The process of tiling, arranging and cutting them requires expertise in order to deliver a detailed piece of work.

Color Palettes
Moroccan is known for their vivid and colorful design. However the diversity of colors that they included in their design all holds different connotations.