Moroccan architect and founder of the EJ agency in Kenitra, Jamal El Karkouri is distinguished by a singular approach where royal tradition and Germanic functionality coexist harmoniously. Shed light on his journey, his inspirations and the way he fuses cultures to give life to unique buildings.
A cultural fusion at the service of architecture
Le Corbusier said that architecture is above all a turn of mind. This maxim finds particular resonance in the work of Jamal El Karkouri, whose creations reflect a subtle balance between tradition and modernity. Trained in Germany, he integrated the functional rigor of this culture while remaining anchored in its rich Moroccan traditions, particularly through ornamentation. This fusion goes beyond the simple assembly of styles to become a true creative synergy.
I draw inspiration from Moroccan traditions and combine them with a functional approach to create hybrid architecture.
Jamal El Karkouri
This marriage between two worlds becomes a true alchemy in his works.
Architecture, for him, is an extension of his personality, enriched by a multitude of interests. Passionate about drawing, painting and music from a very young age, he continues to nourish his artistic approach through these disciplines. “I recharge my batteries in these different activities to enrich my vision of space,” he confides. This diversity of influences is reflected in his creations, where every detail is carefully thought out, combining art and technique.
From concept to concrete
Ideas abound in Jamal El Karkouri’s mind, but it is in the realization that his concepts come to life. He works on a wide variety of projects, from private villas to resorts to theaters. Currently, he is carrying out a large theater project, a witness to Moroccan cultural expansion. This diversity is also explained by Morocco’s economic explosion, which offers numerous opportunities, particularly in the industrial sector.
Colors play an essential role in his work. Its palette often consists of black, white and red. “Black and white symbolize strong character, and red, life and love,” he explains. Shadow and light, equally important, are central elements of his creations. Taking inspiration from Moroccan patios, it pays particular attention to shade and coolness, while integrating traditional elements such as moucharabieh into a modernized approach.
Jamal El Karkouri’s inspiration comes from various sources, sometimes surprising. “Once, the shape of an upturned slipper inspired me to design the roof of a building. » This sensitivity allows him to transform everyday objects into unique architectural concepts, always adapted to the cultural and geographical context. Among its notable projects, we can highlight the garden city in Burkina Faso, inspired by a local sculpture.
A prism of its time
More than just an architect, Jamal El Karkouri sees himself as a mirror of the cultural and artistic influences of his time. “Those who know how to harness sensitivity beyond the five classic senses can access a different level of thinking,” he says. By combining art, culture and modernity, it shows that architecture can respond to contemporary challenges while drawing inspiration from the past. His quest for meaning, form and harmony continues through each project, where tradition and modernity become one.
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