Quentin Wilbaux on Marrakech's Medina and Riad Restoration
Quentin Wilbaux, a Belgian architect and owner of Dar El Qadi in Marrakech, highlights the role of modern technology in revitalizing the Medina. He finds Marrakech's serene vibe a stark contrast to the bourgeois atmosphere of Fez. Back in the early 1980s, the Medina had very few European residents, with notable individuals like Getty and Alain Delon residing nearby. Captivated by the exotic allure of riads, Wilbaux documented them through mapping and photography, emphasizing their simplicity and craftsmanship, which is diminishing due to inadequate training programs. Many riads are now being renovated in an inconsistent Arabesque style. His riad, originally intended for reflection, now operates as a guesthouse. Additionally, Wilbaux's Tournai-Marrakech Map 3D initiative employs drones for accurate heritage surveys, benefiting future archaeological research.
Key facts
- Quentin Wilbaux is a Belgian architect and historian of the Medina.
- He owns Dar El Qadi, a riad in Marrakech.
- Wilbaux began mapping and photographing riads in the early 1980s.
- He used underground water channels to locate wealthy homes.
- Traditional riad craftsmanship is disappearing due to lack of training schools.
- Dar El Qadi means 'house of the judge-astronomer' and features a tower and patio.
- The Tournai-Marrakech Map 3D project uses drones for 3D georeferenced surveys.
- The technique can track changes in heritage and archaeological elements.
Entities
Artists
- Quentin Wilbaux
Institutions
- Dar El Qadi
- Guide Routard
- Artribune
Locations
- Marrakech
- Fez
- Belgium
- Tournai