Muzamil Mutalib

advisor

City University Malaysia

Malaysia

Lecturer specializing in Interior Design and Architecture, with a strong passion for blending… more

Zimocca is a remarkable architectural statement that gracefully intertwines environmental advocacy with cultural storytelling. By addressing the near extinction of the sponge in Zarzis, this project goes beyond form it becomes an agent of ecological memory, education and preservation. Its sculptural, biomorphic envelope evokes the softness and organic form of the sponge itself, creating a powerful spatial metaphor that immediately connects architecture to marine life.

The design’s fluidity and openness reflect the sea’s character, while the use of sustainable principles natural light, passive ventilation and landscape integration positions the building as an environmentally responsible structure. Technically, the smooth, flowing shell harmonizes with the coastal context and invites visitors into a sensory experience that blurs the boundary between land and ocean.

Zimocca is more than a cultural center it is a tribute to a living heritage. This project stands as a poetic and purposeful example of how architecture can revive lost narratives and become a medium of global awareness and local pride.