Commissioned to build a palace, American architect Stuart Church was presented with a site in the Palmeraie district of Marrakech, for which he developed a cohesive plan encompassing architectural, interior and landscaping designs. Church's vision was to "create spaces and wonderful contrasts like a beautiful painting," and so the Taj Palace Marrakech was born.
Mr. Church trained as a painter in Italy, then settled in Tangier, the northern tip of Morocco, in 1960, after which he expanded into architecture and has since created some of the most palatial homes in Morocco. Described by writer William S. Burroughs as 'the last of the Orientalists,' he is inspired by the noble Berber Kasbahs, the richness of Indian pageantry, the splendor of Ottoman architecture and exotic Thai influences, all of which has culminated in the lavish Taj Palace Marrakech.
Church was involved in every aspect of the design, including the furniture, lighting and landscaping, and was meticulous in seeking out local artisans skilled in traditional techniques to ensure an authentic product. This expertise is evident in the decorative ironwork, handmade Venetian style mirrors, hand-painted frescoed wood ceilings and ornaments, and Tadelakt wall finishings.
The vaulted lobby is a sophisticated entrance, highlighted by a sparkling 22 metre chandelier centerpiece, and even showcasing paintings Church himself. From restaurants of rich colors and fabrics to a lavish ottoman styled spa with domes permeating rays of light, Taj Palace also features luscious silks and rich velvets, smooth wooden parquetry floors and three kilometres of gold leaf adorning the various ceilings, cornices, furniture and ornaments throughout the palace.
With its five glorious alabaster-white domes resting atop the luxuriant main building, the Taj Palace Marrakech is a little taste of India carefully transplanted in the breathtaking Moroccan landscape.
Mr. Church trained as a painter in Italy, then settled in Tangier, the northern tip of Morocco, in 1960, after which he expanded into architecture and has since created some of the most palatial homes in Morocco. Described by writer William S. Burroughs as 'the last of the Orientalists,' he is inspired by the noble Berber Kasbahs, the richness of Indian pageantry, the splendor of Ottoman architecture and exotic Thai influences, all of which has culminated in the lavish Taj Palace Marrakech.
Church was involved in every aspect of the design, including the furniture, lighting and landscaping, and was meticulous in seeking out local artisans skilled in traditional techniques to ensure an authentic product. This expertise is evident in the decorative ironwork, handmade Venetian style mirrors, hand-painted frescoed wood ceilings and ornaments, and Tadelakt wall finishings.
The vaulted lobby is a sophisticated entrance, highlighted by a sparkling 22 metre chandelier centerpiece, and even showcasing paintings Church himself. From restaurants of rich colors and fabrics to a lavish ottoman styled spa with domes permeating rays of light, Taj Palace also features luscious silks and rich velvets, smooth wooden parquetry floors and three kilometres of gold leaf adorning the various ceilings, cornices, furniture and ornaments throughout the palace.
With its five glorious alabaster-white domes resting atop the luxuriant main building, the Taj Palace Marrakech is a little taste of India carefully transplanted in the breathtaking Moroccan landscape.
