CasArts (Grand Theatre of Casablanca), Casablanca, Marocco

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Also known as the Grand Theatre of Casablanca, CasArts is a multipurpose theatre being developed in Mohammed V Square in Casablanca, Morocco. Set to become the biggest theatre in Africa upon completion in June 2018, the theatre will host musical concerts, theatre plays and other large-scale performances.

Casablanca Aménagement, a company established by local authorities to carry out urbanisation projects, is developing the project.

Estimated to cost MAD1.44bn ($148.91m), the project will provide Casablanca with access to cultural and artistic activities. France-based architect and urban planner Christian de Portzamparc designed the theatre with Rachid Andaloussi serving as the Architect partner in Morocco.

CasArts location

The new theatre is being built on 6ha of land located in Mohammed V Square, a popular gathering spot for locals. It will cover 24,245m² of space and include the revitalisation of the surrounding areas of the square.

The unifying cultural project is expected to render a new identity to Mohammed V Square, attracting both locals and tourists.

Design of the new Grand Theatre of Casablanca

Christian de Portzamparc’s design was chosen following a competition conducted in July 2009. Instead of an autonomous architectural entity, he designed the theatre to resemble a medina.

The fluid combination includes numerous slim appealing gaps and entrances, which lead to a large cross-cutting public gallery made of 16m to 17m-high curved red piles or cliffs. The gaps provide shade and natural ventilation for visitors to relax.

The exterior of the buildings will be covered with white moucharaby terracotta panels and resin shear walls. The central building or house will include a large entrance, which will provide shade and serves as an outdoor stage that can seat up to 35,000 people

The main hall of the theatre will have a capacity of 1,800 in two levels and features the same curved piles as that of the public gallery. The piles in the hall will support nine independent petal-shaped balconies.

Facilities at Casablanca’s new theatre

Apart from the multipurpose main hall, the facility will include two more flexible theatres with a capacity of 600 and 300. Small rehearsal rooms and four conference rooms will also be part of the theatre.

The project will also create an artist and technician village comprising dressing rooms, technical spaces, a library, foyers, and delivery and storage spaces.

Commercial and retail establishments will include two coffee shops, a restaurant and an art store. Underground parking with 180 spaces will be developed in the eastern part of the Mohammed V square.

CasArts construction

Pre-construction works at the site began in January 2013 with the existing buildings being demolished and trees transplanted.

Ground-breaking marking the start of construction took place in October 2014.

Financing for the Moroccan project

The project has received funding from local and state authorities, including the Ministry of Interior or the Direction General Collectivités Locales (DGCL, MAD480m or $49.62m), the Hassan II Fund for the Economic and Social development (MAD400m or $41.34m), the State General Budget (MAD280m or $28.9m), the Municipality of Casablanca (MAD180m or $18.6m) and the Regional Counsel of Casablanca (MAD100m or $10.3m).

Contractors involved

Theatre Projects Consultants is responsible for scenography, while acoustics correction is being provided by Xu Acoustique.

Sound insulation is by Acoustique & Architecture, while Méristème is responsible for landscaping.

Lighting is by Light it be, and fluid engineering and structure is by Ingerop. Façade engineering is being provided by Arcora, while SPS Vulcanéo is responsible for fire safety.

Alsina is supplying Alisply equipment, while Oger International is responsible for carrying out surveys and works.

Other key players involved with the project include Egis Group (consultancy services), Europraxis ALG Consulting (traffic and parking plan), DEKRA Industrial (construction technical inspection), Hugo Pereira Engenharia Unipessoal (ventilation and air conditioning), Techniprojet, and TGCC.