Designed to be eco-friendly, the airport generates most of its own electricity through solar panels.  It's double-skinned facade is designed to illuminate the interior and to assist in temperature control in this part of Morocco where temperatures can vary significantly in the course of a day.  All artificial lighting is provided by LED. Rainwater is collected and used to water both external and internal green spaces, and plants chosen for these gardens are generally well adapted to minimal rainfall.  "Airport Carbon Accreditation" of the International Council of Airports. The airport has also achieved Level 1 certification from the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, one of only 7 airports in Africa to have done so. 

The airport is remarkable for its modern, innovative use of technology to exploit and control natural light, while simultaneously evoking traditional design motifs.  In 2018 Business Insider include the airport on a list of the most beautiful airports in the world.2

-Michael A. Toler, Interim Program Head

Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT

December 3, 2018