Young Moroccan Architecture Awards – YMAA 2026 (3rd Edition)
Competition Brief
The Young Moroccan Architecture Awards (YMAA) is a national awards programme with international reach that recognises excellence and innovation by young Moroccan architects under 45 years old. The third edition celebrates contemporary Moroccan architecture and its contribution to the built environment across 19 categories.
Intent
The awards aim to highlight the emerging generation of Moroccan architects and promote high-quality architectural practice that respects and advances Morocco’s architectural heritage and future.
Purpose
It seeks to document and reward outstanding architectural work, encourage innovation, and increase the visibility of Moroccan architecture on both national and international stages.
Requirements
Open to Moroccan architects (or teams with Moroccan architects) aged under 45. Submissions can include built projects, renovations, interior design, urban projects, and more across 19 categories. Registration and submission are done online through the official platform.
Jury
President of the Jury: Abdou Lahlou
Members include prominent Moroccan and international figures such as:
- Chakib Benabdellah
- Madison Cox
- Fode Diop
- Ahmed Laaroussi
- Fatime-Zahra Morjani
- Tarik Oualalou
- Joris Pauwels
- Manal Rachdi
- Christoph Rottinger
Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration / Submission Fee | Check official website for current rates |
Rewards
| Award | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Winners (across categories) | Trophies, recognition, publication, and national/international visibility |
| Special Mentions | Recognition and publication |
Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Entries Open | May 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | December 2026 (expected) |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The Young Moroccan Architecture Awards (YMAA) is organised by Archimedia Group. Transparency is good with a strong and publicly announced jury featuring respected Moroccan and international architects. It is a serious national awards programme focused on young Moroccan talent rather than an open international ideas competition. Rewards centre on recognition and visibility with no major cash prizes mentioned. The main benefit for participants is national and international exposure along with professional recognition within the Moroccan architectural scene, making it a valuable platform for emerging architects working in Morocco.
This type of national award plays an important role in developing local architecture scenes. Similar initiatives appear in coverage of urban design and emerging talent programmes. Readers interested in regional architecture may also check the news section or topics under sustainability.
Conclusion and final thoughts
YMAA has grown steadily since its first edition in 2022 and is becoming an important reference for contemporary Moroccan architecture. Organised by Archimedia Group with a strong jury, the 2026 edition offers meaningful recognition for architects under 45. While it is primarily national in focus, it provides good visibility and prestige within Morocco. Participation is highly recommended for eligible young Moroccan architects, though its international impact remains more limited compared to global awards.
Registration Deadline
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