Algerian Cities Research Articles

Optimizing solar panel tilt angles across diverse Algerian terrain

Purpose. To optimize the efficiency and performance of a solar system by maximizing the capture of solar radiation through determining the most optimal solar panel tilt angle. Methodology. Stochastic techniques are presently utilized for estimating, optimizing, and predicting various solar energy systems. The authors have developed an algorithm that simulates the echolocation behavior of bats. Findings. To attain this objective, we evaluated different angles of inclination for the incident energy surface that will maximize the sunlight. Next, we compared the intensity of incident solar energy from a horizontal surface and the same surface tilted at the optimum angle. As a result, we determined the optimal tilt angles for other Algerian cities not covered by this study, based on two factors: geometry and climate, using multiple linear regression analysis. The results obtained reflect average monthly and annual values for solar panel tilt angles. These results depend on the latitude and sunshine levels of the locations studied. Originality. The present study introduces a computational algorithm that utilizes the echolocation behavior of bats to determine the most advantageous tilt angle for a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Practical value. Optimizing solar panel angles across various terrains in Algeria is crucial for maximizing the energy efficiency of photovoltaic installations. The optimization algorithm based on the echolocation behavior of bats allows for the determination of optimal angles by taking into account regional, climatic, and seasonal variations, thereby increasing energy production. This innovative approach offers an effective solution for improving the profitability of solar systems while contributing to sustainable development.

Morphological Analysis of Public Spaces and Their Contribution to Urban Resilience in Guelma, Algeria

Modern Algerian cities are facing various uncertainties, both natural and human-made. To address these risks, urban areas need to be more adaptable and responsive. The increasing impact of climate change and the recent pandemic have emphasized the importance of outdoor spaces. As people spend a significant amount of time in these areas, public spaces have become essential for urban life. This study conducts a comparative analysis of public spaces, using a grid-based methodology to identify similarities and differences between two resilient public spaces and the square of Guelma. The analysis is preceded by a literature review that establishes key conceptual frameworks. The main objective is to develop recommendations for resilient public spaces and their contribution to a city's environmental resilience, particularly its capacity to withstand climate change. By understanding how these spaces can mitigate the effects of climate change, this research aims to guide the design and management of urban environments.

Optimising building performance for a resilient Future: A Multi-Objective approach to Net Zero energy strategies

The escalating impacts of climate change on urban environments underscore the imperative for energy-efficient buildings. As the building sector constitutes approximately 40% of global energy consumption, the implementation of NZE designs is critical for emission reduction. This study utilised Building Performance Optimisation methodologies alongside a multi-stage optimisation framework to evaluate energy consumption, Life cycle cost and carbon emissions under various climate scenarios (RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) in three Algerian cities—Constantine (semi-arid), Algiers (Mediterranean), and Ghardaïa (arid).The results revealed that the integration of passive, active, and renewable energy strategies significantly curtailed energy consumption and CO2 emissions across different climatic contexts. Specifically, passive measures achieved reductions in energy use ranging from 39% in Ghardaïa to 15% in Constantine. Active systems, including high-efficiency HVAC technologies, resulted in energy savings of 59% in Ghardaïa, 52% in Algiers, and 47% in Constantine. Furthermore, renewable energy sources, with a focus on solar photovoltaics, contributed additional reductions: 44% in Algiers, 26% in Ghardaïa, and 20% in Constantine. The multi-stage optimisation approach also enhanced computational efficiency, significantly reducing simulation time and facilitating the rapid identification of optimal strategies.These findings highlight the efficacy of integrating a range of energy strategies to achieve NZE. Nevertheless, while these systems demonstrate robust performance under current conditions, their effectiveness diminishes under future climate scenarios, underscoring the necessity for adaptive and resilient design approaches. Ongoing optimisation and innovation will be essential to maintaining the efficacy of NZE strategies in the face of extreme future climate conditions.

PERCEPTIONS OF URBAN LANDSCAPE: A STUDY OF COGNITIVE MAPPING IN AIN BEIDA, ALGERIA

The urban landscape of Algerian cities features a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural forms, offering a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The heterogeneous nature of this terrain motivated us to investigate the cognitive representation of this scenery in the minds of the inhabitants of Ain Beida.The study emphasizes the cognitive map, which manifests as visual representations, such as drawings or images, as well as sensory experiences and memories that are gathered and stored over a period of time. The perception of this mental image varies among individuals and locations. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature to precisely identify the category under investigation and select a suitable approach for evaluating, comprehending, and interpreting the urban landscape of the above-mentioned city.An iconographic was employed as a research instrument selected to carry out a comprehensive survey with a sample of the population encompassing various socio-professional groups, with a primary focus on urban stakeholders such as architects, urban planners, and elected officials. The findings revealed a diverse range of mental maps, indicating the unique perspectives of each interviewee on their city.

Les ambiances au sein des equipements touristiques de la ville coloniale de Biskra (Est Algerien)

Conquered by the French army in 1844, Biskra was widely known as a notorious winter tourist destination during the colonial era. Characterized by a hot and dry climate, the ‘queen of the oases’ in the Ziban region was renowned for its numerous tourist facilities constructed using techniques imported from elsewhere, local materials, and apparent local stylistic influences. This distinguished architecture was notably mentioned in travel accounts and highlighted in tourist guides. Situated in the realm of heritage and architecture, this research aims to go beyond the knowledge of the built (material) heritage of hotels and thermal resorts in a southern Algerian city. Therefore, this article identifies and defines the atmospheres (intangible heritage) and architectural components, along with their origins, within the tourist facilities built in Biskra during the colonial period. Content analysis is the research technique applied to a corpus of textual sources dating from the colonial period itself. Thus, this work is conducted in accordance with a methodological protocol allocating the study of atmospheres, form, and construction. The acquired results shed light on a historical mode of construction adapted to a challenging natural environment, and they provide a valuable historical reference for contemporary tourism projects suitable for demanding contexts.

The Role of Small Localities in the Requalification of Territories: the Case of the Grand Medea Territory, Algeria

Since independence until today, the development of Algerian cities and the spread of their urban agglomerations haveled to the marginalization of small localities that were once flourishing because of their various vocations: rural,historical, cultural, etc. This contribution is part of a new vision of spatial planning based on the architectural and urbanrequalification of heritage resources and structures as a vector of the development of poor and abandoned localities.It will be presented through the example of the large territory of Medea and its surroundings. The research is basedon the identification, recognition, and enhancement of the natural, historical, architectural, and urban heritage of theterritory. It is part of the main orientation of the National Land Use Planning Plan (SNAT 2023) which is the territorialrebalancing. The approach made it possible to develop a territorial revitalization program resulting from the characterof the resources and potential of the site like cork factories, the recovery of abandoned farms, the creation of spas,leisure areas, etc. It also made it possible to develop a reflection on the housing typology to integrate into the ruralcontexts that characterize the Grand Medea’s territory.

Atrium Design in Hot and Dry Climates: Understanding the Influence of Achitectural Form Variation on Indoor Thermal Conditions

The atrium is becoming more prevalent in desert regions as a key architectural and functional element in the urbanlandscape. In southern Algerian cities, we are observing an increasing integration of centralized atriums in publicbuildings. However, this integration may have an impact on the indoor environmental conditions of the buildings. Thisstudy investigates the influence of architectural aspects on the indoor thermal behavior of an existing centralized andenclosed atrium in the hot and dry climate of Laghouat. The study analyzes the influence of tow parameters, namelyheight and glazed area ratio, during summer season. The EDSL-Tas software for dynamic thermal simulation modelingwas used. The results revealed that the vertical temperature distribution in the atrium varies depending on its design,as a result of incoming solar radiation.

Thermal Culture as National Heritage Among the Algerian Population Case Study Hammam Debagh Guelma

The thermal culture in Algeria dates back to antiquity, the Romans were among the first to know the therapeuticbenefits of hot water springs in the region, Guelma is one of the Algerian cities which have natural hot springs, overfor centuries the thermal tradition has been perpetuated and has been integrated into the local medical culture. Theprofessional objective is to undertake an in-depth analysis of the thermal culture at Hammam Debagh, Guelma,capitalizing on its rich ancient heritage, and the attractiveness of the public in search of medical care, relaxation andleisure, thus highlighting the importance continues this age-old practice for health and well-being. A thoroughunderstanding of this tradition will help strengthen its attractiveness and promote its potential as a therapeutic andtourism resource.

URBAN UPGRADE IN BISKRA’S SHANTYTOWNS SAMPLE: THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF SIDI GHAZEL AND SIDI ROUAG (ALGERIA)

The shantytowns or slum area started to appear in the urban fabric within town zones in Algeria during the colonial period. This situation endured after the independence, in particular during the seventies of the last century. The reasons : a population growth and an increasing urbanization in big and intermediate cities, in addition to the industrial establishment resulting from the development choices. This latter wasn’t supported by balanced development. The impact was obvious on the urban development of the Algerian cities. Hence, the slum areas increased outside the town urban perimeter, where the public lands and the lands inconvenient for urbanization such as river shores, old quarries and hills. The citizen, in cause of that, stood in a permanent conflict with the relevant authorities, in particular municipalities, to settle the situation or to remove definitively the house. Hence, this situation leads to a degradation in the urban fabric and planning of numerous cities. The Governorate of Biskra was also affected by this phenomenon starting from the 1970s. It results, among other reasons, from its elevation to the status of Governorate in 1974 following the second administrative structuring in Algeria after the independence.

An Energy and Ecological Assessment of The Prior and Post-Hybrid Renovation State of Multi-Dwelling Building in the Algerian City of Skikda

In the context of Algerian energy and environmental concerns and its aspirations for energy transition, this article examines the pre- and post-state of a multi-family residential building in the city of Skikda, in northern Algeria, utilizing the UBEM reduced-order approach, alongside QGIS, CEA and METEONORM tools. Primarily focusing on the building's solar exposure, energy aspects, and environmental considerations. Six hybrid renovation scenarios were considered then, and assessed for their contribution for energy savings and ecological improvement. The main results revealed that 87% of annual energy requirements were related to heating and hot water, which are supplied by a natural gas system, a source of various types of greenhouse gases, which suggested the use of triple glazing, with or without two selective low-emissivity coatings only, or be combined by changing hot-water supply system to an electric one, alongside the installation of the hybrid PVT panels on the south façade. This triple glazing was joint in another scenario by integrating the same type of panels on the roof alongside a seasonal thermal energy storage system. This latter scenario being the best in terms of energy and ecology, and making the building highly performant in both aspects.

Reinventing Urban Agriculture in Algerian Urban Policies: Stakeholders' Visions and Operational Strategy

Climate change and rapid urban growth are driving an increased demand for global resources, exacerbating environmental challenges. Addressing these issues necessitates the implementation of diverse strategies across various scales. Urban agriculture emerges as a potential solution to foster the resilience of urban entities. However, in the Mediterranean region, notably in Algeria, urban agriculture remains inadequately addressed in public policies, with agricultural plots in cities often earmarked as land reserves for future urban development. This study aimed to assess the perspective of urban actors in Annaba regarding urban agriculture and to identify and map agricultural activities within the city, with the goal of integrating them into urban policy frameworks. Interviews were conducted with decision-makers and farmers, complemented by spatial analysis. Findings revealed that although there is interest in urban agriculture, it is not effectively integrated into institutional and legal frameworks. Despite modest agricultural production primarily for self-consumption, urban agriculture projects hold potential for adoption in Algerian cities, offering a pathway towards enhancing urban sustainability.

EVALUATION AND VALORIZATION OF PERI-URBAN WASTELAND IN ALGERIA USING DATABASE INDICES

This study examined the transformation of fertile peri-urban land surrounding large Algerian cities. Khemis El Khechna municipality in Boumerdes province was a case study for this phenomenon. Researchers utilized remote sensing techniques through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to quantify land-use change. Specifically, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) contributed to finding regions with high biodiversity and healthy vegetation, while the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) highlighted areas of concentrated buildings. This data was crucial in identifying wastelands or potential wastelands. The ultimate goal was to promote the development of such areas as an alternative to encroaching on productive farmland. The indexes and their database hold great promise for agriculture in the form of a national cadaster. The method could also be easily applied to other African countries, by promoting the utilization of wasteland and the adoption of precise farming methods.

School Policies and Primary School Architecture in the City of Annaba (ex Bône), Algeria, 1830–1962

This study investigates the history of the French colonial architecture of schools in the city of Annaba (ex Bône) in Algeria by spotlighting the buildings and their characteristics to identify the links between educational colonial policies, primary school architecture, and the context of their creation. This historical perspective enhances our understanding regarding the evolution of the architecture of Bône primary schools. Although the construction of public infrastructure at that time followed the movement of building Algerian cities to occidental standards, the issue of education and the construction of primary schools was extremely political, since French public instruction in Algeria was an integral part of the political project of colonial conquest. Primary school was a powerful tool of moral conquest; it began with a civilising mission then shifted to assimilation and integration. The evolution of the production of primary schools testifies to the seal of the various colonial educational policies, laws, and successive reforms that spread over this period, which influenced the school and its architecture.

Study of Road Accidents by Analysis of Effects of Driving Parameters On Stopping Distance Using the Experimental Design Method and Driving Simulator

This paper aims to investigate the key factors contributing to road accidents and their interplay. A significant proportion of road accidents can be attributed to non-compliance with speed regulations, in conjunction with vehicle braking components (such as grip, road conditions, ..), as well as weather conditions. We conducted a speed measurement campaign on peri-urban roads in multiple Algerian cities to examine driving behavior and adherence to speed limits. To comprehensively understand the impact of speed, anti-lock systems, weather conditions, grip, and their interactions on a vehicle's braking distance, we employed an experimental design methodology. This approach was complemented with driving simulator tests. We expanded the experimental design to cover a range of speed variations, from 70 to 130 km/h, enabling us to explore the influence of various driving parameters on braking distance. Through statistical analysis of influence coefficients from 16 driving simulator tests, we established a model that represents the relationship between "objective functions" and "influence factors." This mathematical model was validated using simulator results. Our study revealed that braking distance is primarily affected by speed and weather conditions. Notably, the analysis of the road speed measurement campaign demonstrated that 55% of road users fail to adhere to speed limits.

Identifying the effects of driving parameters on stopping distance to reduce accident risks

The object of the research is the most important factors causing road accidents. This paper aimed to study the effects of this factors and their interactions on the stopping distance function. Understanding this function through simulation and comparing the results with mathematical models and experimental tests will help to reduce the number of road accidents. A large part of road accidents is linked to non-compliance with regulatory speed associated with vehicle braking system (grip, road and tires) and weather conditions. A speed measurement campaign on peri-urban roads was carried out to study driving behavior and compliance with speed limits in several Algerian cities. An experimental modelling of speed, anti-lock system, weather, grip and their interaction effects on the stopping distance of a vehicle using the experimental design method, combined with driving simulator tests was been conducted. The developments of experimental design with speed variation ranges (70 and 130 km/h) were necessary to study the influence of the various driving parameters on stopping distance. The mathematical model developed has been validated by the results obtained on the simulator. The experimental design method and simulator results were used to identify and define the important parameters that influence the braking distance. The results show that the stopping distance (SD) is mainly influenced by the vehicle speed (S), the weather conditions (M), and their interaction. The increase due to speed leads to an increase in the stopping distance with an estimated effect of 54.30 m. When the speed varies between its lower experimental level (70 km/h) and its higher level (130 km/h), it is estimated that the stopping distance will increase by 54.30 m. The analysis of the road speed measurement campaign, 55 % of road users do not obey the speed limits. The results obtained in this study can be applied to other countries, only the parameters need to be adjusted.

Urban form and daily mobility on the outskirts of Constantine (Algeria): Case of the new town of Ali Mendjeli

This article presents the results of research into the impact of urban form on mobility practices in the outskirts of Constantine, which has experienced spectacular urban growth in recent years. Like other Algerian cities, Ali Mendjeli is one of the most unusual urban forms to have arisen from the saturation of the mother city, and has undergone rapid urban expansion, marked by the concentration of major facilities and services. This has led to several urban dysfunctions, reflected in longer distances travelled, strong growth in the number of journeys and increased use of the car, resulting in saturation of the road network and the inefficiency of public transport, which can no longer cope with high demand, and the emergence of informal transport. In fact, the household travel survey carried out in 2020/2021 revealed that the distance between home and work increases with distance from the town center, with a correlation coefficient of R? = 0.78. In addition, the urban layout of Ali Mendjeli is difficult to navigate on foot, with the private car the most dominant modal share, and public transport is still in deficit due to the poor quality of its offer.

Hotel Architecture in the French Colonization Era

Often quoted as the queen of an oasian region, namely the Zibans, Biskra, a southern Algerian city, was a famous winter station renowned for its tourist character during the French colonization (1830-1962). This stimulated the colonizing authorities to build several hospitality buildings, the largest of which were edified using imported constructive techniques, but with local constructive materials and several local spatial organizations and regional decorative motives. In continuation of previous research work carried out by the first author of this article, this study aims to analyse and classify Biskra’s main hotels to draw up an architectural typology using Philippe Panerai’s method. As a result, four models were identified within the corpus of the study, including seven (7) hotels. Its findings could be considered as strong, helpful support for future research in the field of architectural heritage, regardless of building typology, as well as an appropriate database for the heritage buildings’ practical preservation. Moreover, such research work should inform about other various underrated and misjudged heritage buildings dating from the colonial era in Algeria.

Numerical investigation of the integration of new bio-based PCM in building envelopes during the summer in Algerian cities

This paper investigates the integration of a new bio-based phase-change material (PCM) into walls to improve energy storage in buildings. Three PCMs with ecological and highly renewable properties, combined by blending local vegetable oils with purified beeswax are investigated. The numerical study, using the optimal sample, concentrated on representative Algerian cities over a three-month summer period. A COMSOL software model is developed to solve the non-linear equations governing the physical phenomena. The results indicate that the use of bio-based PCM significantly improves energy storage capacity in all the cities studied. The performance of bio-based PCM energy storage highly depends on the specific climatic conditions of each city. The optimal location of the PCM layer in the walls is determined for all cities. The PCM is decreasing the maximum temperature of the inner surface, with differences of 3.95 °C, 3.25 °C, 3.17 °C and 2.98 °C respectively for Bachar, Tamanrasset, Constantine and Annaba. Those results enable the use of the developed bio-based material for building walls.

Exploring Urban Coherence through Fractality, Connectivity, and Arteriality of the Urban Street Network: Comparative Study of Five Medium-Sized Algerian Cities

Exploring Urban Coherence through Fractality, Connectivity, and Arteriality of the Urban Street Network: Comparative Study of Five Medium-Sized Algerian Cities

SHOPPING TOURISM IS A MANIFESTATION OF THE COMMERCIAL DYNAMICS IN THE ALGERIAN CITY – A CASE STUDY: SOUK AHRAS CITY

The aim of this research is to study the reality of shopping tourism and its impact on the growth, organization, and dynamics in an Algerian city: Souk Ahras city as a case study. It highlights the various forms and aspects of shopping tourism and its influence on the commercial, economic, social, and cultural sectors. The research also examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with shopping tourism in the city of Souk Ahras, and formulates the general strategy for the city using SWOT analysis. The results derived from the strategy and field investigation indicate that shopping tourism in the city of Souk Ahras is influenced by several factors. These factors include the commercial weight of the city, its strategic geographic location, its openness to the border area, and the significant influx of tourists, especially from Tunisia. The city has experienced substantial commercial development through markets and shopping centers, contributing to increased inputs and resources. The availability of goods and products at competitive prices can be attributed to the social support policy on raw materials in Algeria. Additionally, the growth of the informal sector has provided a wide variety of products. All of these factors have positioned the city of Souk Ahras as an attraction for tourist flows, making shopping tourism a significant urban phenomenon that influences the organization and economy of the city.