The Kenitra train station is another gem of the country’s contemporary architecture. In this blog we have already featured some of them, such as the Menara Airport in Marrakech. And we will continue to do so, as they are the best reflection of Morocco today: with an innovative vision for the future while simultaneously honoring traditions, in this case Arab architecture. In the following lines we explain why this railway station has become an icon of the city.
A little context
Kenitra is not exactly a very touristy city, to the point that it is usually absent from itineraries and even from travel guides. Although some archaeological remains speak of nearby ancient and prehistoric settlements, the truth is that the current city was founded very recently: in 1912, during the French Protectorate, primarily for military purposes.
That absence of ancient architecture and, above all, its innovative design have made the Kenitra train station a true local symbol. The city is medium-sized, with approximately half a million inhabitants, and benefits from its relative proximity to Rabat (50 km), the capital. All of this was decisive in Kenitra being included in the country’s first high-speed rail line, Al Buraq, which is why this modern train station was built.
What the Kenitra Station Is Like
The Kenitra train station project was the work of the Italian architecture firm Silvio d’Ascia, with local collaboration from Omar Kobbité Architects. It revolved around different ideas, in which simplicity and functionality prevailed. For this reason, in general terms, it features large, pure volumes, with an open interior that facilitates movement inside and enhances the visual effect of the aforementioned spaciousness.
Of course, Silvio d’Ascia was clear that this contemporary work had to connect with traditional Islamic architecture. And he achieved this with an equally simple and highly effective resource: the moucharabieh. This word refers to the bay windows of private residences, which feature a lattice screen with geometric patterns. It was commonly used in windows facing the street, as it has a dual effect: it allows people to see what is happening outside without being seen from the outside.
Furthermore, the geometric pattern of the lattice is in perfect harmony with the decoration of tiles and plasterwork, omnipresent in Islamic architecture. And it produces a beautiful and surprising effect inside: by partially filtering the light, a play of shadows is projected on all sides of the space (walls and floor) in the most evocative way.
This is achieved in this Kenitra train station, composed of an enormous glazed network of fiber-reinforced concrete triangles. The glazing and the combination of light and shadow allow for interior thermal regulation, to achieve a pleasant temperature in winter. In warm weather, on the other hand, it allows air circulation, so this ventilation also contributes to temperature regulation.
The Urban Planning Aspect
Finally, it should be noted that the Kenitra train station has also taken into account urban planning concepts of the city itself: it has provided a pedestrian corridor that allows passage from one side of the tracks to the other, as the previous one was narrow and gloomy, and has created a large plaza in front of the main façade, thus providing citizens with a large public space that the city previously lacked.
As you can see, although Kenitra does not have great ancient monuments, if you are a lover of the railway sector and contemporary architecture, you can consider a long stop at this station to admire the project on your way to or from the city of Rabat.
