The Boutbouatqalt Spring: preserving the biodiverse Amaghouss river and the Souk Laarbaa historic market

Visiting the Boutbouqalt spring is a popular week-end favorite among inhabitants of the cities of Agadir, Tiznit and Tafraoute, and a daily leisure spot for locals, who live nearby or have access to a private car.  Today, the spring and its surroundings are unwelcoming to visitors. Our collaborative workshops and site analysis have highlighted the following major issues:

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ECOLOGICAL ISSUES

• a disgraceful concrete box has been built right at the spring, in an attempt to protect it for future bottling use;

• swimming in the river disturbs water quality and the fauna;

• informal temporary cafes and the lack of toilets pollute the site.

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CIRCULATION ISSUES

• the access to the spring is dangerous: the vehicular access road is narrow and there is no space to park;

• there are no means to cross the river safely;

• there are not legible tracks to stroll along the river or do treks.

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PROGRAMMATIC ISSUES

• there are no basic public amenities (no pool, public toilets, picnic tables, benches, playground parking, welcome center, cafes etc..);

• there are no activities offered aside from a single annual festival. 

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ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE ISSUES

• the once famous century old market, Souk Laarbaa, is in a state of ruin, with only its mosque still standing. 

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Check out current photos of the site below, followed by our preliminary proposal for the site!