This publication invites the reader to explore an inter-
disciplinary and cross-cultural project of urban design
research conducted 2018-19 in the city of Tiznit, Morocco.
The project was initiated by the Netherlands-based
creative platform Slow Research Lab and realized in
partnership with the bureau of architect Salima Naji and
the Naji’s nonprofit association Gardiens de la Mémoire,
both based in Tiznit.
From these two countries and organizations, a core team
of researchers and creative professionals came together to help
conceive, develop, and facilitate the myriad facets of the project:
Marijke Annema, Jana Crepon, David Goeury, Nika Jazaei,
Salima Naji, and Carolyn F. Strauss. (See biographies, page 106.)
In addition to those main programming partners and
team members, this project was enriched by an array of
collaborators from Tiznit and beyond: municipal authorities;
community associations and cooperatives; local artists and
craftspeople; Moroccan and international designers; teachers
and parents from the city’s creches and primary schools; an
incubator for young creative entrepreneurs; plus countless
program participants. We are grateful for their trust and
commitment.
Substantial financial support for the project was adminis-
tered by the Creative Industries Fund NL (Stimuleringsfonds
Creatieve Industrie) as part of a four-year program funded
by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the policy
framework of the International Culture Policy (2017-2020),
entitled Sustainable and Inclusive Cities Through Design.
CONTENTS
Introduction.
Reviving Wonder: the Artistic Immersed in Oases, Salima Naji, p.18
Thoughts on Care, Carolyn F. Strauss, p.24
KINDLING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS p.32
Kindred Spirits, David Goeury, p.38
Standing With Two Feet in Complex Matter, Cocky Eek, p.40
CULTIVATING ARTISTIC RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE p.48
Immediacy, Maria Blaise, p.54
Weaving the Oasis, Amina Aguesnay, p.56
FRICTION, CURIOSITY, OPENING: PROVOKING A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE p.60
Oasis Memory: Reflections of an Urban Caretaker, Omar Boumehdi, p.66
Precious Things, Linnemore Nefdt, p.70
Notes from an Observer, Aimane Idhajji, p.76
BUILDING A MORE OPEN MEETING PLACE p.80
Sharpening the Intuition, Nika Jazaei, p.86
Threading Stones, Marijke Annema, p.94
ETERNAL RETURN p.102
Biographies p.106
Bibliography p. 112
List of Collaborators P.114
Colophon p.116
Naji, Salima, & Strauss, Carolyn. 2020. Landscape of Care: a handbook for urban design engagement. Amsterdam, Slowlab Research.
