Abstract
This article is presented after ten years of research on the earthen architecture of southeastern Morocco, more specifically that of the natural axis connecting the cities of Midelt and Er-Rachidia, located North and South of the Moroccan northern High Atlas. The typology studied is called ksar (ksour, pl.). Throughout various research projects, we have been able to explore this territory, documenting in field sheets the characteristics of a total of 30 ksour in the Outat valley, 20 in the mountain range and 53 in the Mdagra oasis. The objective of the present work is to analyze, through qualitative and quantitative data, the main characteristics of this vernacular architecture as a perfect example of an environmentally respectful habitat, obtaining concrete data on its traditional character and its sustainability. The methodology followed is based on case studies and, as a result, we have obtained a typological classification of the ksour of this region and their relationship with the territory, as well as the social, functional, defensive, productive, and building characteristics that define them. Knowing and puttin in value this vernacular heritage is the first step towards protecting it and to show our commitment to future generations.
Highlights
Earthen architecture is part of southern Morocco’s history, being a characteristic element of both its landscape and its culture
A connoisseurs of the situation throughout southern Morocco, as a result of various research projects in which we have participated as researchers or have directed, we present this research aiming at characterizing the earthen architecture of southeastern Morocco, as an environmentally respectful habitat model, providing concrete data related to its traditional character and on the characteristics that make it sustainable
Throughout this research, we have analyzed the earthen architecture in the southeastern area of Morocco, addressing its study along three different geographical areas, all of them located in the natural axis connecting the cities of Midelt and Er-Rachidia
Summary
Earthen architecture is part of southern Morocco’s history, being a characteristic element of both its landscape and its culture. We find urban models that are perfectly adapted to social needs, using construction techniques validated by practice and respectful of the environment It is a sustainable architecture arising from the environment itself, using construction materials from its own surroundings; and, at the same time, is endowed with a great adaptation capacity, both to the climate and to the territory, being an example and model for contemporary architecture [1,2]. A connoisseurs of the situation throughout southern Morocco, as a result of various research projects in which we have participated as researchers or have directed, we present this research aiming at characterizing the earthen architecture of southeastern Morocco, as an environmentally respectful habitat model, providing concrete data related to its traditional character and on the characteristics that make it sustainable
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