Zimocca Center

Project idea

This project deals with the issue of the sponges in the city of Zarzis and the architectural space that must be dedicated to it. The sponge is a marine animal that almost became extinct in the late years, impacting not only the balance of our ecosystem but a whole history of several coastal cities in the world. After addressing the issue on its various historical, economic and social aspects, I have designed an architectural project that meets the needs of the various stakeholders and is embodied in a sustainable approach. Our center of valorization Zimocca tells the genesis of the history of the sponge by raising awareness of the general public and will be a vector of promotion and valorization of the Tunisian sponge at the national and international scale.

Project description

This project has a part for scientists, a part for public awareness.

Technical information

The construction of the building is made of a three-dimensional primary structure another secondary for bracing as well as an envelope in GRC.

Seif Eddine Mnafakh

École Nationale d'Architecture et d'Urbanisme (ENAU) Tunis

Tunisia

Architecture

Project submitted

12. 11. 2022

Tag

Architecture Cultural Center Other Laboratory Public spaces

Advice to students

Zimocca Center

Zimocca is a remarkable architectural statement that gracefully intertwines environmental advocacy with cultural storytelling. By addressing the near extinction of the sponge in Zarzis, this project goes beyond form it becomes an agent of ecological memory, education and preservation. Its sculptural, biomorphic envelope evokes the softness and organic form of the sponge itself, creating a powerful spatial metaphor that immediately connects architecture to marine life. The design’s fluidity and openness reflect the sea’s character, while the use of sustainable principles natural light, passive ventilation and landscape integration positions the building as an environmentally responsible structure. Technically, the smooth, flowing shell harmonizes with the coastal context and invites visitors into a sensory experience that blurs the boundary between land and ocean. Zimocca is more than a cultural center it is a tribute to a living heritage. This project stands as a poetic and purposeful example of how architecture can revive lost narratives and become a medium of global awareness and local pride.
20.03.2026

Muzamil Mutalib

Category

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