Racetrack and Urban Park

Rabat, Morocco

A Lighthouse for Rabat, City of Light

Sports - Wellness

2022

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Status

Ongoing

Client

SOREC

Address

Rabat, Morocco

Date

2022

Area

10 000 m²

Program (Details)

Racetrack and urban park, reception, betting hall, reception room and VIP lounge, spectator stands, jockey training areas, horse stables, restaurant, skybar, offices, kitchens, storage rooms, changing rooms

Credits

Mikoü

Architect

Mikoü

Structure

TERREL

Fluids

TERREL

HQE

EODD

Economy

SLETEC

Others

Acoustics: LASA

At the heart of Rabat, the new racetrack unfolds at the edge of the Ibn Sina Forest, nestled in the esteemed Souissi district. The landscape unfolds between stately villas and verdant gardens, creating a spacious and harmonious urban environment. As such, it evolves into an urban park, offering a serene space for relaxation and social interaction.

The racecourse is positioned at the intersection of two distinct urban contexts: to the east, a tranquil residential area where the built environment harmonizes with nature; and to the west, a lively academic and business district, enriched by public amenities. Within this nuanced integration, the project takes on its full significance: it is not merely a racecourse, but a dynamic and inclusive infrastructure, open to everyone.

A Thousand Plateaus and Ziggurats

Designed as an inclusive and accessible facility, the Rabat racetrack is intended for a diverse, intergenerational audience. Its architecture is based on flexibility and adaptability, ensuring year-round activity. To provide a truly immersive experience, the key functions of the project are arranged in terrace-like belvederes, offering not only breathtaking views of the racetrack for spectators but also a stunning panoramic vista of the city of Rabat from the VIP lounges, panoramic restaurant, and betting hall.

Beacon for Rabat, City of Light
The racetrack is a constantly evolving space. Its flexible architecture enables it to accommodate a wide range of events, extending far beyond the realm of horse racing. The structure’s distinctive silhouette, formed by layered landscape terraces, establishes a horizontal rhythm that serves as the project’s visual signature. More than just a venue, the racetrack invites, connects, and unites diverse activities, creating a vibrant, multifaceted hub.

Curating the Journey: Diagonals and Voids

The terraces stretch southwestward, cascading in a series of panoramic views, fostering a fluid visual connection between the spaces. With its extensive glazing, the building embraces transparency and lightness, harmonizing with its surroundings while elevating them. By day, it unfolds as a natural extension of the landscape. By night, it transforms into a radiant beacon, casting a gentle glow across the city—a luminous presence that perfectly embodies the essence of Rabat, the City of Light.