Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan marked a significant milestone in Morocco’s architectural landscape as he officially inaugurated the Mohammed VI Tower in Rabat. The towering structure, standing at 250 meters and encompassing 55 stories, now proudly holds the title of the nation’s tallest building. The grand opening took place on the banks of the Bouregreg River in Sale, a testament to the nation’s commitment to modernization and innovation.
The construction of the tower, a joint venture between Belgian firm BESIX and Moroccan contractor TGCC, was a collaborative effort that began in 2018 under a Design & Build contract awarded by O Tower, a subsidiary of O Capital Group. The contract was comprehensive, covering every aspect from design and engineering to procurement, construction, and the finishing touches. The tower’s expansive footprint, spanning 102,800 square meters, rises from a robust four-level podium and is a marvel of modern engineering.
Within its walls, the tower boasts a luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel, office spaces, upscale residential apartments, a grand conference hall, a variety of retail shops, dining establishments, and a breathtaking observation deck. The architectural duo of Rafael de la Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun crafted the tower’s distinctive rocket-like silhouette, which can be seen from as far as 50 kilometers away, reshaping Rabat’s skyline.
During the inauguration, the Crown Prince conducted a tour of the tower, which included the main lobby, where he was presented with detailed information about the structure and the use of Moroccan artisanal materials. He also visited a model apartment, the hotel, and the heritage observatory at the top, which offers unparalleled views of Rabat and Sale, showcasing the cities’rich historical tapestry.
The engineering marvel that is the Mohammed VI Tower was built to withstand the challenges of its location, resting on 60-meter-deep foundations reinforced with 104 concrete barrettes. The building’s hybrid tube-in-tube system, featuring a high-strength inner core and an outer steel frame, ensures stability against wind and seismic forces. A 160-ton tuned mass damper at the top further counters wind-induced movement and seismic vibrations, enhancing the comfort of its upper-floor residents.
The tower is not just a marvel of engineering but also of sustainability. Its advanced systems include a high-performance facade, photovoltaic panels, energy recovery systems, and rainwater harvesting, all aimed at achieving LEED Gold and HQE certifications. The interior spaces were thoughtfully designed by Belgian brand FLAMANT, with refined aesthetics and functionality throughout.
The project is part of the larger Bouregreg Valley development plan, an initiative under the “Rabat Ville Lumière “program, reflecting the King’s vision for a modern and vibrant capital city. The Crown Prince’s arrival was met with a grand display of honor, with a review of the Royal Guard and a warm welcome from regional and local officials, including Sale Governor Omar Touimi and Sale Mayor Omar Sentissi.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Adil Faouzi
