Aux environs de la médina de Fès: considérations sur la restauration du site de Sidi Harazem, Alle porte della medina di Fès: considerazioni sul restauro del sito di Sidi Harazem

The contribution examines the thermal complex of Sidi Harazem, near Fez, designed by the Franco-Moroccan architect Jean-François Zevaco between 1960 and 1970. Conceived in post-independence Morocco as the country’s first modern spa resort, the complex combines exposed concrete, Brutalist influences, organic spatial principles, Arab cultural identity, and a close relationship with the surrounding oasis landscape. The study considers Sidi Harazem as an integrated cultural system rather than as a collection of individual buildings, including the spa facilities, hotel, covered market, bungalow village, public spaces, vegetation, and both tangible and intangible values. After reconstructing its historical and architectural context, the article assesses its state of conservation and identifies deterioration caused by weathering, thermal water, intensive use, lack of maintenance, uncontrolled additions, and tourism pressure. Particular attention is paid to the conservation of exposed reinforced-concrete surfaces and construction traces as essential features of Zevaco’s architectural language. The contribution argues that an effective conservation strategy should combine scientific knowledge of the materials, preventive maintenance, compatible interventions, and the careful introduction of new uses, balancing the architectural significance of the complex with the contemporary social needs of the local community.