L.R. 19/1996 International Cooperation Sardinia City of Figuig (Morocco)

Title: Conservation, rehabilitation and enhancement of traditional earthen built heritage

The cooperation project between Sardinia and the city of Figuig in Morocco involved the rehabilitation and redevelopment of a complex of buildings that make up the El Maiz ksar to be used in part as a permanent training center for earthen construction and opening of a maison d’hôtes – guesthouse called “Sardinia house.”
The large complex, made available by the owners for the project, will partly become a permanent training center for the recovery of the city’s earthen structures, and a place for experimentation with traditional and innovative building techniques applied to the restoration of existing heritage, and their adaptation to today’s needs.
The recovery of the El Maiz ksar will become a pilot site targeting 10-15 Moroccan workers during the course of the project, and to continue in future years by replicating the training courses in the same manner.
On the other hand, another part of the complex will be used as a maison d’hôtes/guesthouse for the reception of the many visitors, mainly related to local and international cooperation activities (students, professors, industry experts, cultural workers, etc.). The management of the will be entrusted by the local government to the association of women observers of the project (Association Assala des metiers artisanaux de Figuig, about 15 women), which would be responsible for organizing and managing the services of the riad, the adjoining green spaces and the training center.
There are 11 Raw Earth Cities involved: Villasor, Samassi, Serramanna, Pabillonis, Nuraghi, Ussana, Guspini, Musei, Mandas, San Gavino Monreale and Serrenti).
During the project, a delegation from the Raw Earth Cities involved had the opportunity to carry out a mission to the city of Figuig during which collaborative relationships were established with the City of Figuig for future projects in the field of raw earth architecture and sustainable development.

Women artisans from the Association Assala des metiers artisanaux de Figuig were able to participate in a week-long study trip to Sardinia, during which they were able to try their hand at various training activities such as: hotel or b&b hospitality, room tidying up, table service, art and artistic craft workshops.