Frontiers of Architectural Research >

2013 , Vol. 2 >Issue 3: 322 - 337

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2013.05.002

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Assessment of the effect of modern transformation on the traditional settlement ‘Ksar’ of Ouargla in southern Algeria

  • Moufida Sebti 1 ,
  • Djamel Alkama 1 ,
  • Ammar Bouchair , 2
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  • 1. Research Laboratory LACAMOFA, Department of Architecture, University Mohamed Khidder Biskra, Biskra 07000, Algeria
  • 2. Research Laboratory CBE, Department of Architecture, University of Jijel, East of Algeria 18000, Algeria

Received date: 18 Feb 2013

Accepted date: 17 May 2013

Published date: 05 Sep 2013

Copyright

2014 This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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Abstract

The architecture of the Ouargla Ksar has long been recognized as an example of adaptation to harsh climate in the deep desert of Algeria. Over the last few decades, it has undergone some changes in its initial urban structure, due to accelerated and uncontrolled modern urbanization, that had negative implications and devaluation of its thermal characteristics. This article tries to understand the bioclimatic concept of adaptation of this Ksar and assess to what extent its morphological transformation has impacted its microclimatic conditions. This assessment is made through a comparative study between two different areas: one untransformed and the other transformed. A referential weather station situated in the suburbs was also exploited for consolidation of comparison. The investigation was undertaken using site measurements and observations.

Key words： Ksar; Traditional settlement; Ouargla; Desert; Transformed; Comfort

Cite this article

Moufida Sebti , Djamel Alkama , Ammar Bouchair . Assessment of the effect of modern transformation on the traditional settlement ‘Ksar’ of Ouargla in southern Algeria[J]. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2013 , 2(3) : 322 -337 . DOI: 10.1016/j.foar.2013.05.002

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