Rescuing Architectural and Urban Quality in a Seismic City
The Role and Possible Implications of an Architectural and Urban Quality Charter in the Case of Chlef (Northern Algeria)
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Abstract
Chlef, a city in northwestern Algeria, has undergone profound transformations over the centuries. Repeated natural disasters, particularly the 1980 earthquake, have severely affected its urban fabric and architectural heritage. This study investigates the potential of an architectural and urban quality charter to guide future development while integrating the city’s historical, cultural and environmental specificities. Using a multistage methodology, the research evaluates the feasibility and implications of such a charter. Comparative analysis revealed strategies for heritage preservation, urban identity maintenance, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. Contextual analysis identified Chlef’s morphological assets, historical architectural compositions and urban quality issues. Practical guidelines emphasise an educational and user-friendly approach, detailing prohibitions on incongruous architectural interventions, recommendations for preserving and integrating original elements, and rules for frontage design. The study concludes that a charter which balances tradition with modernity, and ensures earthquake resilience, sustainable materials and participatory planning, could strengthen Chlef’s cultural identity, promote urban coherence and enhance resilience, and apply to other Algerian cities.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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Rescuing Architectural and Urban Quality in a Seismic City
The Role and Possible Implications of an Architectural and Urban Quality Charter in the Case of Chlef (Northern Algeria)
In: Africa ReviewSearch for other papers by Nabil Kari in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Métropole Architecture Urbanisme Société Laboratory Oran Algeria
Search for other papers by Wissem Cherif Bemmoussa in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Khadidja Hamza in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Joan Curós i Vilá in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Chlef, a city in northwestern Algeria, has undergone profound transformations over the centuries. Repeated natural disasters, particularly the 1980 earthquake, have severely affected its urban fabric and architectural heritage. This study investigates the potential of an architectural and urban quality charter to guide future development while integrating the city’s historical, cultural and environmental specificities. Using a multistage methodology, the research evaluates the feasibility and implications of such a charter. Comparative analysis revealed strategies for heritage preservation, urban identity maintenance, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. Contextual analysis identified Chlef’s morphological assets, historical architectural compositions and urban quality issues. Practical guidelines emphasise an educational and user-friendly approach, detailing prohibitions on incongruous architectural interventions, recommendations for preserving and integrating original elements, and rules for frontage design. The study concludes that a charter which balances tradition with modernity, and ensures earthquake resilience, sustainable materials and participatory planning, could strengthen Chlef’s cultural identity, promote urban coherence and enhance resilience, and apply to other Algerian cities.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 145 | 145 | 21 |
| Full Text Views | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 5 | 5 | 0 |
