Vernacular Architecture facing seismic hazards – Al Haouz and Chichaoua Provinces
TLEMÇANI MEKAOUI Nezha, KARIBI Khadija, BERDOUZ Karima, MESSOUS Ouafa
Abstract. The architectural and historical authenticity of the Al Haouz and Chichaoua provinces is expressed through earth and stone architecture, showcasing a local expertise that has proven its worth over decades. While it may be considered uncomfortable from the perspective of modern architecture, this simple and “archaic” know-how, if it can be described as such, has demonstrated its effectiveness given the region’s climatic conditions. This vernacular architecture, characterized by traditional construction techniques and the use of local materials for buildings, is now threatened by several factors. These structures have shown vulnerability to seismic shocks, as evidenced by the recent earthquake that affected the region. The issue of the historical sites in Al Haouz and Chichaoua represents a major challenge in terms of preserving local vernacular architecture, which demonstrated its vulnerability during the earthquake that struck the region on September 8, 2023. This vulnerability places researchers and professionals before a complex challenge, where the need to preserve heritage intersects with the integration of modern protection techniques and socio-economic valorization. The ability of historical buildings to withstand natural disasters while maintaining their architectural integrity is questioned. Nevertheless, the earthquake that shook the soil of the Al Haouz region also jolted the authorities, professionals, architects, and civil society. It brought to light the isolated parts of the Al Haouz mountain. This article is based on a firsthand experience, post-earthquake, lived on-site, revealing the drawbacks of a vernacular architecture that is deformed, vulnerable, and undergoing transformation.
Keywords
Earthquake, Al Haouz Mountains, Chichaoua, Vernacular Architecture, Earth and Stone Construction, Reconstruction
Published online 1/10/2025, 8 pages
Copyright © 2025 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: TLEMÇANI MEKAOUI Nezha, KARIBI Khadija, BERDOUZ Karima, MESSOUS Ouafa, Vernacular Architecture facing seismic hazards – Al Haouz and Chichaoua Provinces, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 47, pp 224-231, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903391-26
The article was published as article 26 of the book Vernacular Architecture
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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