In Memoriam – Abderrahmane Chorfi (1948 - 2026)

CONTRIBUTIONS TO ICOMOS AND THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF MOROCCO

In 1997, Mr. Chorfi became the first President of ICOMOS Morocco, following his involvement in the small founding team that prepared the creation of the National Committee. He served as President from 1997 to 2013. During these formative years, he strengthened the Committee’s role in national heritage debates and projects. At the same time, he also served as a member of the ICOMOS Board of Directors between 2002 and 2005.

Under his leadership, ICOMOS Morocco contributed to several initiatives of national importance. Mr. Chorfi was involved in preparing the application for Rabat to be listed as a World Heritage Site, as well as applications for several other sites to be listed in Morocco’s national heritage register. In 2024, he was called upon for his expertise by the ICOMOS World Heritage Advisory and Monitoring Unit. Moreover, he contributed to the workshop “Strengthening capacities of World Heritage professionals in the Arab region” organized in Rabat in 2019 by ICOMOS and the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage (ARC-WH).

A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO MOROCCAN HERITAGE

Mr. Chorfi led specialized teams conducting impact and planning studies for important sites and directed projects addressing urban challenges. Notably, he oversaw a major research project for the National Agency for the Fight against Unsanitary Housing (ANHI). Funded by the United States Agency for International Development, this project was entitled “Unsanitary Housing in Urban Morocco: Definitions and Diagnosis” (L’insalubrité dans l’habitat urbain au Maroc: définitions et diagnostic).

A committed teacher, Mr. Chorfi founded the National School of Architecture (ENA) in Rabat. He also served twice as its director (from 1980 to 1982, then from 1999 to 2004).
Furthermore, he played a decisive role in encouraging architecture students to address heritage-related themes in their final projects. In coordination with ADER-Fès (Rehabilitation Agency), he helped set up field training courses for ENA Rabat students, enabling them to work on preservation projects and develop conservation proposals during summer programs.

SERVING THE CITY OF RABAT AND THE TRANSMISSION OF KNOWLEDGE

At a national level, Mr. Chorfi served from 2004 to 2010 as Director General of Urban Planning, Architecture and Territorial Development at the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and Territorial Development. Among his major professional achievements was his personal direction of the Planning and Safeguarding Plan for the modern city of Rabat and the Habous Quarter of Diour Jamaâ. This work contributed significantly to the recognition and protection of 20th-century urban heritage.

His final publication, “Rabat – la ville. Guide d’architecture 1914-1990” (Éditions Bouillon de Culture, 2024), stands as a testament to his enduring dedication to documenting and transmitting knowledge of the capital’s architectural legacy. This major volume, supported by a leading Moroccan banking foundation, reflects both scholarly depth and a deep fondness for the city of Rabat.

Through his guidance, scholarship, and generosity toward younger generations, Abderrahmane Chorfi leaves a lasting mark on Morocco’s architectural culture and on the development of ICOMOS Morocco. He will be remembered for his integrity, intellectual commitment and unwavering belief in the value of heritage as a foundation for collective identity and sustainable development.

ICOMOS extends its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, students, and friends. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of architects and conservation professionals.