Marrakech, the famous “ochre city,” is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and captivating atmosphere that attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. However, a new trend that has recently emerged in the city is causing controversy and dividing locals and visitors alike.
A trend that is getting noticed
In recent months, a new practice has emerged in Marrakech: planting palm trees on the roofs of houses, hotels and even public buildings. This trend, called by some the “palmification of roofs”, seems to be a response to the evolution of urban planning and ecological concerns. The promoters of this trend consider palm trees as a symbol of luxury, elegance and belonging to a modern “Marrakchi” aesthetic.
Social media, especially Instagram, has played a central role in promoting this trend. Many images of rooftops decorated with palm trees appear on the accounts of influencers and travelers, turning this practice into a real viral phenomenon.
The criticisms are flying
Despite the enthusiasm of some, this new fashion does not please everyone. Environmentalists, architects, and even some residents of Marrakech have expressed their discontent. Several reasons explain this criticism.
First, palm trees require deep roots to thrive. Placed on rooftops, they may not receive proper care, which can lead to their rapid degradation. Some experts say this trend could lead to overuse of water to irrigate these trees, which goes against efforts to preserve natural resources in a semi-arid region.
The architectural identity of Marrakech
Then, on the aesthetic level, many believe that this trend alters the architectural identity of Marrakech. Traditional roofs, often bare and sober, are an integral part of the city’s charm. Transforming them into hanging gardens with palm trees breaks with the visual harmony of the urban ensemble.
Finally, this practice highlights social inequalities. While some people are keen to embellish their rooftops with expensive elements such as palm trees, other city residents still struggle to access basic services such as drinking water or electricity.
A reflection on sustainability
The debate over this trend reflects a broader tension between modernity and preservation in Marrakech. The city, in full transformation, must face crucial environmental issues. High temperatures, drought and resource management are all challenges that require adapted and sustainable solutions.
Some residents and organizations are calling for a deeper reflection on urban planning. Instead of palm trees, they suggest planting trees that provide more shade and better absorption of pollution, such as jacarandas or fig trees. These species, better adapted to the climate, could help improve air quality and provide better thermal comfort in urban spaces.
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A fashion symptomatic of social tensions
This fashion also highlights the growing disparities in Marrakech. The city, while preserving its historical heritage, is experiencing accelerated gentrification. Popular neighborhoods are gradually transformed to meet the needs of a tourist clientele and a local elite. The roofs decorated with palm trees thus become a symbol of this growing gap between the different social classes.
This phenomenon raises an essential question: how can we preserve the soul of a city in the face of ephemeral trends that respond above all to aesthetic and commercial imperatives? The people of Marrakech, proud of their cultural heritage, call for an inclusive dialogue so that the modernization of the city does not erase its identity.
An uncertain future
Will the “palm roofing” remain a passing fad or will it become part of the urban landscape of Marrakech? For many, there is still time to adopt an approach that is more respectful of the environment and architectural traditions.
In the meantime, the debate remains open. This trend, although elegant for some, raises fundamental questions about the future of Marrakech: an emblematic city that, between tradition and modernity, seeks to maintain its balance.
