CIMS performs architectural survey in Morocco
Carleton University faculty and students from Carleton’s Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) is performing an architectural survey and training module per request of the Getty Conservation Institution (GCI) and the Centre de conservation et réhabilitation du patrimoine architectural des zones atlasiques et sub-atlasiques (CERKAS) in order to prepare a series of architectural drawings for the earthen Kasbah de Taourirt, in the city of Ouarzazate in Morocco.
The principle investigators, Stephen Fai (CIMS, Carleton University) and Mario Santana Quintero (CIMS and Department of Civil Engineering, Carleton University), along with their team, Marc Lèonard (CIMS, Carleton University); Christian Ouimet (Carleton University consultant); John Gregg (Carleton University consultant); Kenneth Percy (Student, Carleton University); Sarah Ward (Student, Carleton University); Zeynep Ekim (Student, Carleton University); Laure Chandelier (ENSG (France), Carleton University consultant); and, Bjorn Van Genechten (KaHoSL (Belgium), Carleton University consultant), are undertaking a comprehensive survey using digital technology suitable for the region to document the Kasbah Taourirt. Carleton team is also building capacity of CERKAS personnel in the process to document similar sites along the valleys around Ouarzazate.
The Kasbah of Taourirt is known for being one of the most beautiful sites in Morocco, is considered part of national heritage and is one of the most visited sites in the region. The site is a 1.6 hectare four level complex constructed of rammed earth and adobe with beautiful decorated surfaces. The series of architectural drawings will be used by a team lead by Mohamed Boussalh, Claudia Cancino and Françoise Descamps from CERKAS and the GCI respectively that is currently undertaking a project that aims to develop and apply a methodology for the documentation, emergency stabilization, and the integrated conservation planning for the rehabilitation of earthen architecture settlements using the Kasbah de Taourirt as a case study.
For more information on Carleton’s Immersive Media Studio (CIMS), please visit their website http://www.cims.carleton.ca/. Amongst some of the exciting research and projects happening through CIMS, the studio is dedicated to exploring a symbiotic relationship between 2D and 3D, digital and fabricated, modes of representation.
Photo:
Top row (left to right): Lauren Chandelier (ENSG (France), Carleton University consultant), Mario Santana Quintero (CIMS and Department of Civil Engineering, Carleton University), Christian Ouimet (Carleton University consultant), Lahcen Abid (CERKAS), Hamid Aghazzaf (CERKAS), Claudia Cancino (Getty Conservation Institute), Mohamed Boussalh (CERKAS), John Gregg (Carleton University consultant),
Bottom row (left to right): Mhamed Barjali (CERKAS), Mustapha Naji (CERKAS), Poornima Balakrishnan (Getty Conservation Institute), Francoise DesCamps (Getty Conservation Institute), Zeynep Ekim (Student, Carleton University), Kenneth Percy (Student, Carleton University), Sarah Ward (Student, Carleton University) , Nafissa Ouberchnik (CERKAS)