MOROCCO MALL, CASABLANCA, MOROCCO

Stretching across Corniche in Casablanca, and with a total surface area of 10 hectares, the Morocco Mall is the largest shopping mall project in North Africa, at a cost of 2 billion Moroccan Dirham (EUR=11.3MAD).

The elegant retail centre was designed by Hicham Lahlou and Design International, in association with technical consultants Arup and structural consultants TEAM Maroc and BUREAU SABE. it was developed by Design International architects for Al Amine D’Investissement Immobilier, a joint venture between AKSAL and NESK, two large Moroccan franchise and fashion operators.

Due to the size of the project, the client required a simple and cost-effective solution that could be delivered within a short construction sequence.

Based on extensive experience gained from involvement in the construction of shopping malls in the area, including Lamcy’s Plaza, Dubai Mall, and Mall of The Emirates, CCL was able to provide a post-tensioned solution that met the needs of both the design and construction parties.

CCL provided the mix of post-tensioning solutions of transfer beams and slabs, which allowed simple formwork and flat soffits for ease and speed of construction. The thinner slabs also allowed large savings in material costs due to the size of the project.

The tight schedule of work required by the contractor Société Générale des Travaux du Maroc was not only met in terms of design, but the local CCL team based in Morocco provided full site and technical co-ordination. This local presence gave the client the assurance that any design, site, or plant issues could be dealt with in an efficient manner.