Colonial town planning and civil architectur 1880-1914 : L’urbanisme de lotissement:

Colonial urban devalopement With the military and state urban planning withdrawing, there was a
The devalopement of agriculture ►attracted new migrants►new notable rise in subdivision and the dominance of the private sector,
colonial vilages resulting in the proliferation of scattered houses.
The military presence was reduced Areas like St-Eugène, Birmandreis, Hussein-Dey, El-Biar, and Bouzaréa
Dévalepement of rail transportation ► appearence of suburbs became prime locations for this pavilion development.
,expansion of the city. The consequence was for the first time, in 1925, we see the "urbanism"
Coloniisation through demographic expansion section appearing in the table of contents of the Municipal Bulletin of
Algiers had 92,120 people in 1896, increasing to over 120,000 after the City of Algiers, which sounded the alarm about this phenomenon
annexing Mustapha. Algiers : Architecture and tourism
By 1926, Algiers had 112,000 residents. Algiers winter city : Algiers gained popularity as a winter destination for
In 1926, Algiers had over 45,000 natives and 67,500 French and Europeans seeking to escape the cold weather in their home countries.
foreigners. Moorish Style and Tourism: Moorish villas developed as tourist
In Mustapha Pasha, Muslims numbered 10,000, compared to 64,000 residences especially for the English.
Europeans. Tourism and Morality: A large Aletti Casino which was built in the 1880s
Bab-el-Oued had just 800 indigenous residents. to reinforce this tourist trend (pleasure, drinking, lottery, games of
Demilitarization of the city chance, dancing).
1891, agreement between the Municipality and the Military for the
partial decommissioning of the Algiers enclosure.
May 1894, the ramparts and the Bab-el-Oued gate were demolished,
► attack on the Bab-Azoun front a few months later.
The old dogma of fortifying the city for defensive reasons was
abandoned.
Linear devalopement of Algiers
the creation of 2 significant landmarks: the new Prefecture and the
Grande Poste, signaling the shift of Algiers' center towards the South, Colonial architecture of the early 20th century 1900 - 1930 :
where La Grande Poste stands today. Moorish architecture in individual housing
Liberation of land in Mustapha Pasha involved transforming a military Moorish architecture found its niche in individual housing, particularly
town with an arsenal, a large maneuvering field, cavalry quarters, and a in Upper Mustapha, Agha, and later El Biar, where topography spared
fodder park into space for civil development, now known as Place du them from urban planning schemes.
1er Mai. villas and individual dwellings of the wealthy class. The English better
The Jardin d'Essai, at the South-Eastern end of the commune, was appreciated the sense of oriental architecture; "lessons to the French"
created in 1832 over an area of 5 hectares 3, soon increased by a in finesse and art.
nursery, operated methodically since 1838. Extensive work of surveys and scientific reconnaissance contributed to
the mastery of the Moorish architectural language.
The old Algiers committee
The Old Algiers Committee, established in 1900, aimed to preserve the
Ottoman city and safeguard local heritage, uniting intellectuals and
notables from Algiers.
The Committee published "Feuillets d’El Djazair" founded in Algiers
1905 by Henri Klein dedicated to research Algiers' history and
defending its elements.
The Algerian Historical Society, formed in 1856, focused on protecting
select buildings and published the Revue Africaine from 1856 to 1962,
spanning 106 years.
Remarkes on French interest in Algerian heritage
- Limitation to isolated buildings and external expressions of the past,
according to Nabila Oulebsir.
-Buildings were often attributed to events in French and European history,
the residence of the governor general in algeria
projecting narratives like the Crusades.
-Heritage preservation served tourism and emphasized the distinction
between the past and modernity.
-Enriching colonial doctrine and promoting a diverse culture countered
policies of acculturation and deculturation.
Retrieval of ottoman-moorish constructions:
recavory of constructions as source of
inspiration;(the residence of the governor general
in algeria (Haras du Dey))

Initial plan 1830

Modified plan 1846
 The line of french algerianist architects:

Architect Building pic

The grandfather
chief architect of the city of algiers
Pierre known for undertaking the construction
Guiachain of the portico of the grate mosque HOTEL SAINT GEORGES (AL-DJAZAIR)
utilized marble columns from the El the grandfather bought the ottoman
Sayyida mosque demolished in 1831 residence the son transformed it it into a
boarding school for girls in 1889 and the
The son granson converted it into a hitel in 1927
Georges
First student at the lycée d’Alger
Guiachain
he became hotelier

Jacque he headquarters of the general

the grand son
Guiachain government HOTEL SAINT GEORGES (AL-DJAZAIR)

Immeuble de immeuble de
rapport rue rapport rues
franklin roosvelt abane ramdane
et boulevard et mohand
Paul Guion krim belkacem ouelhadj 1930
réalisé en 1931
Plans and Mueseum of fine faculte central
sketches of the arts of algiers d'alger
casbah

Albert Ballu

cathedral of oran Biskra Casino central railway station

 The centenary of colonisation architecture and urbanism Reaction of the algerian population
mir Khaled, grandson of Emir Abd el-Kader, began campaigning for changes
The centenary celebration 1830-1930 in 1919, advocating for equality promised by France following Algerians'
Mark the victory of France and Europe on The Muslim World, North mobilization in the First World War.
Africa and Algiers. In 1926, the North African Star was established by immigrant workers, led
Domination of the Mediterranean and the Muslim world (continuing by Messali Hadj. The organization briefly aligned with the Communist Party
with the wars of the Crusades) and launched the newspaper El Oumma to promote ideas and activities.
Glorifying colonialism: The party's demands included total independence for Algeria, the
(This country rescued from barbarism by the fruitful work of the withdrawal of French troops, the repeal of the Code de l'indigénat, the
Mediterranean races. ) return of seized property, and Algerians' rights to education and political
Centenary program: and union freedoms.
Worldwide demonstration in honor of France and "the glorification of In 1931, the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulemas, was founded by Ben
colonizing methods" Badis. Its program focused on restoring Islamic culture's place in Algeria,
Organization of tours for tourists throughout the Algerian territory notably through the establishment of schools and institutes in Tlemen and
Guide researchers to synthesize the French presence in Algeria. Constantine.
(Rene Lespes "Algiers 1830-1930) The Centenary House
Exhibition of arts and remains. Creation of museums (Bardo.) designed by architect Léon Claro around 1928, was inspired by the
Construction of commemorative monuments, memoriels of soldiers movement initiated by Henri Klein in the early 19th century through the
and people who contributed to the march of conquest. Committee of Old Algiers.
Commissioned by the Governor General for the Centenary in 1930, the
architect created a replica of a traditional house from the Casbah.
The "native house" served to introduce the French to various spaces and
decorative elements of an Arab house, including sqifa, west eddar, and
byoutes.
Materials like marble, earthenware, and wood were sourced from
demolished houses in the lower Casbah.
Today, the building houses the Directorate
of Culture of the Wilaya of Algiers.

Statue de Bugeaud,
place d'Isly

Centenary publications
Léon claro The Urban Planning Plan of Algiers,
After completing his baccalaureate, Léon Claro studied created by the Municipal Urban Planning Service and designed by Henri
under Gabriel Darbeda, a professor of architecture at the Prost, René Danger, and Maurice Rovital, faced challenges in
School of Fine Arts in Algiers. implementation due to the complexity of the site and the city. It divided
Darbeda offered Claro a job as a professor of architecture at Algiers into four agglomerations labeled A, B, C, and D, introducing the
the same school, where he taught until 1964. concept of zoning.
In 1926, Claro participated in the Rome competition and was Aligned with the town planning law of 1919, the plan for Greater Algiers
selected as one of the ten "logistes" for the main was not approved until 1931, undergoing revisions in 1933 and 1934. The
competition. 1934 Master Plan of Algiers addressed the city's development on a
Claro was greatly influenced by Le Corbusier's visit to regional scale.
Algeria in the early 1930s. The establishment of urban planning laws and master urban plans for
urban areas with over 10,000 inhabitants aimed to regulate urban
growth and enhance city aesthetics.
Introduction of reinforced concrete
Auguste Perret (1874-1954)
-first to use reinforced concrete in architecture,
-developing the constructive system,
-free plan,
-ornament-free style.
-He revolutionized construction by separating structure and filling, marking
the end of classicism.
School of Fine Arts of Foyer Civique Perret, along with his brother, engaged in production within the family
Algiers headquarters of the General Union of Algerian business, leveraging their expertise to develop reinforced concrete,
Workers (UGTA). enabling the construction of multi-story buildings in the early 1900s.
The beginnings of modern architecture Based in Algiers, the Perret brothers collaborated with architect
The problems of Algiers on the eve of the First World War Guiauchain on various projects, including the Maison de l'agriculture,
1. Urban chaos Yacht Club, Champ-de-Manoeuvres college, and pavilions of Mustapha
2. Dilapidation and El-Kettar hospitals.
3. Military Servitudes In the years 1928-1929, architects Auguste Bluysen and Joachim Richard
4.Housing crisis were tasked with constructing the Algiers Casino on Boulevard Carnot,
5.The problem of the car near the Aletti Hotel,
6.Needs for facilities and services
From Algiers to greater Algiers
An urban plan for Algiers was developed, taking into account its regional
geographic context. In addition to expanding towards the south and
north, new urban centers emerged outside the ancient city.
Towards the East, Hussein-Dey, Maison Carrée, Fort de l'Eau, and Aïn-
Taya experienced development.
To the West, (Ain Benyan).
 Le corbusier at Algiers
Other construction companies
Le Corbusier challenged the Algiers plan during his visit to Algiers in 1931,
HENNEBIQUE, a Parisian company, established itself in Algiers and
where he delivered talks on town planning during the centenary
promoted a new construction method involving reinforced concrete. The
celebrations.
company even published a magazine on this innovative process.
Subsequent visits and initiatives by Le Corbusier further criticized existing
Many local architects, including Henri Petit and Garnier, were intrigued
town planning approaches, including the Algiers plan.
by this novelty.
His proposals, known as "obus plans," directly criticized conventional town
Associated architects Regnier and Guion were responsible for notable
planning methods.
buildings in Algiers, such as the Lafont buildings on Boulevard Saint-
In his speeches, Le Corbusier praised colonialism, considering early
Saëns and the Vinson garage on rue Sadi-Carnot.
colonial interventions in Algiers under military authority as exemplary
Vidal a family business constructed numerous collective buildings on
urban planning efforts, glorifying them as lessons in civilization for the
rue Michelet and other streets, as well as the gendarmerie on boulevard
Arab population.
de Verdun above the Casbah.
Opposition to le corbusier
Opposition arose from various quarters, including geographers, urban
planners, traditionalists, and conservative factions, as well as the local
French government.
Le Corbusier, described as a dynamic opportunist, became involved in the
bustling construction scene, gaining attention for his ideas during a trip to
Algiers in 1929 through exhibitions and lectures.
He continued his media campaign to promote his "revolutionary" ideas
about urban life and collective housing to the Algerian public. His vision
proposed a solution for a "Radiant City" in Algiers.
The plan obus
Le Corbusier's "Plan" of 1932 served as an alternative to the master plan of
Agence Hennebique, Alger (1927), Régnier et Guion arch., Louis Algiers and was presented as a celebration of the centenary of
Grasset entr. : vue de l’immeuble côté rue (cliché H. Besson) colonization.
The reinfoced concrete and modern architecture The plan envisioned a business city, depicted as a long building stretching
Architect Jacques Guiauchain, with assistance from colleague Rotival, along the bay alongside a residential city.
won the competition for the Government Palace (Palais du The residential city, extending from Saint-Eugène to Maison Carrée (from
Gouvernement) in 1930. The construction utilized reinforced concrete, a Bologhine to El-Harrach), comprised a winding building spanning over ten
method pioneered by the kilometers, with a highway as its roof.
Perret brothers' company. esigned to accommodate 200,000 inhabitants, this project represented a
radical departure from conventional urban planning concepts.
Criticism of project obus The mzab and casbah effects on le corbusier
A building with boxes: Each box can be converted into accommodation, Le Corbusier's travels in Algeria left a profound impact on him,
with its own facade, at the discretion of the occupant; "we could even do particularly through the discovery of La Casbah and the M'zab valley.
neo- Moorish there, " said the architect, making Muslim architecture a Walking through the medina of Algiers, he realized that architecture was
simple decorative style. more than just a visual spectacle; it was a dynamic organization of spaces
The project does not distinguish between urban planning and and volumes.
architecture, which simplifies the question of the city in reduced physical Le Corbusier expressed admiration for Arab architecture, noting that it
form. was appreciated through movement and walking, allowing one to witness
The project does not consider the topography or local culture of the development of architectural orders. This stood in contrast to
production in the city that he himself admired. Baroque architecture, which he described as designed on paper around a
Le Corbusier himself did not believe in its achievement; it was rather a theoretical fixed point.
doctrinal gesture, a futuristic demonstration, a big idea. The absurdity
was undoubtedly to do it in an already urbanized territory (Deluz).
The buisiness tower and the casbah
in 1930, he located the business skyscraper on the Pointe de la Marine,
commanding an area of gardens where only buildings of historical value
were preserved.
In a new project, he transported the building to the bastion of the Chapelle ronchamp mosquee sidi brahim
Grande Poste
as for La Casbah, which was a discovery, even a revelation for the
architect, the road flew over it so as not to touch it.

villa savoie terrasses casbah

Ronchamp chapel vs villa savoye
Le Corbusier's design for the Ronchamp Chapel's roof was influenced by
The work of le corbusier? a combination of functional considerations, religious symbolism,
Despite not executing any projects in Algeria, Le Corbusier exerted sculptural aesthetics, and a keen sensitivity to the contextual aspects of
significant influence on architects in Algiers, according to Deluz. the site. Ronchamp Chapel showed that Le Corbusier has rejected to his
Modernism represented a significant episode in the history of colonial early 5 principles that have been considered as eternal and constant in
architecture in Algeria, with its expression shaped by the social, physical, Architecture.
political, and cultural environment.
Le Corbusier's enthusiastic conferences served to stimulate young
architects who were drawn to his doctrines. Architects such as De
Maisonseul and Emery were among those influenced by his ideas.
The corbusier effect on algiers
Le Corbusier's influence in Algiers is evident in several architectural works, social housing (HLM):
notably the Aéro-habitat, where his principles of dwelling units were The public office for low-cost housing (HBM) was established in 1921,
incorporated by the main architect, Miquel. This project combined later evolving into HLM, or "Habitations à Loyer Modéré."
innovative housing concepts with remarkable site integration. One of the earliest projects was "Les Champs Maneouvres," initiated in
The Obus Plan gave rise to an Algerian "Corbusist school," attracting 1928. It was built on military land transferred to civil authorities and
architects like Miquel and Simounet who were drawn to Le Corbusier's followed a rectangular grid layout.
visionary urban planning ideas. From 1930 onwards, large-scale buildings began to emerge, reflecting the
The establishment of the Le Cercle Corbusier, or the Association of concept of "Grands Ensembles" as a solution to the housing needs of the
Friends of Algiers, brought together Le Corbusier and his followers and masses. However, this approach led to urban sprawl and the creation of
admirers in Algiers. Members included prominent architects such as dormitory towns.
Marcel Lathuilière, Jacques Giauchain, Léon Claro, Paul Guion, Louis Technological advancements, influenced by Fordian production methods
Miquel, Pierre Marie, Henry Ponsich, and David Georges Emery, as well as from the car industry, enabled the standardization, mass production, and
urban planners like Gérald Hanning, Jean de Maisonseul, and Tony Socard. on-site assembly of building elements.
The housing theories espoused by CIAM (International Congresses of
Modern Architecture) and Le Corbusier emphasized the idea of the
"house as a machine for living," reflecting a functionalist approach to
architecture that aimed to meet the needs of modern society efficiently.
The shanty Towns (Bidonvilles) and
social justice
The emergence of shanty towns (bidonvilles)
around Algiers was driven by various factors:
Injustice towards the Muslim population,
L’Aéro habitat boulvard du Télemly who faced discrimination and exclusion
from urban centers.
Algiers 1945 /1962
Policies aimed at reducing the presence of Muslims in cities, pushing
Algiers : the capital of France:
them towards rural and mountainous areas.
Due to the capture of Paris by the Germans and the defeat of France
Destruction caused by war and scorched earth policies, which
during the Il World War (1940-1944), Algiers temporarily became "the
displaced populations and disrupted communities.
capital of Free France".
Industrialization and agrarian reforms, leading to the mechanization
The city had continued to build and equip itself despite a very ambiguous
of agriculture and reduced demand for labor.
government policy.
The launch of the armed revolution, which brought attention to
As early as 1947, the Perret company was asked to build the hangars for
issues of social housing and social justice, advocating for equality
the White House airport "Airoport de la Maison blanche
between Algerians and Europeans in civil rights and the right to the
city.
The highpoint of modern architecture:
François Bienvenu, cité indigène projet
The new construction technology conveyed by new materials: steel,
à Climat de France, 1933. Louis Bérthy,
glass and concrete.
cité indigène , projet 1936.
The hygiene movement invades architecture. The monotonous
checkerboard facades reflect the "purity" of shapes and geometry. -
Modern architecture dominates public facilities: hospitals, barracks,
prisons, schools, social housing and factories from the 1930s.
Housing for muslims:
Between 1945 and 1954: A significant delay in the field of construction
in the face of demographic growth in the Muslim population and rural
exodus.
Two areas were selected in 1930 in Algiers: Salembier and Oued
Ouchayah. A program of 800 housing units, the architects Guerino and
Bastelica created 210 housing units in 1937. Two other sections were
made around 1957.
Other cities for Muslims: Cité Scala, Cité El-Djenane including 6,000
housing units for natives. Albert Seiller et
So called spontaneous architecture: Marcel
The search for housing that better suited Muslim customs led to the lathuillière, Clos
development of new architectural trends and neighborhood designs: Salembler, 1935,
Initial trends focused on horizontal grids with housing featuring interior
courtyards. New neighborhoods were planned as isolated and
controlled resettlement towns. Jack chevalier: the soft colonial policy
Architectural language and local typology reflected Muslim customs, Mayor of Algiers between 1953 and 1958.
with features such as a 20 m2 courtyard (one-third covered), toilets and He was accused of being sympathetic to the Arabs by recognizing their
fountains in the courtyard, masonry construction, chicane entrances, rights to housing and building for them.
arched doors, facades without windows, small cube-shaped terraces An intensive housing program aimed at the Muslim population in
and patios, and exposed stairs. response to social needs (growth of slums).
This gave rise to the concept of indigenous housing, which aimed to Politically, housing becomes a prevention tool against revolt. Chevallier
align internal distribution with Muslim customs. However, despite was concerned with safeguarding the colonial project of French Algeria
interesting research, there were limited practical implementations. and confronting the FLN calling for revolution.
Paradoxically, after 1962, the European model began to influence local The tracesofJonnart
housing. This led to an extroverted design approach with features such The 31 Breath of the rapprochement policy
as interior corridors, balconies, and large windows, representing a in a ceremonial speech at the inauguration of the Diar el-Mahçoul
departure from traditional Muslim architectural customs. This shift project (1953), he declared that the main objective is to ensure:
reflected a broader trend towards modernization and globalization, I the triumph of human dignity French freedoms, and the future of
resulting in a certain alienation from indigenous architectural tradition Franco-Muslim civilization"
Radical revision of colonial policy: France must build day and night as
much as possible in order to save its colonization project.
 Fernand Pouilion, is a French architect and Ronald simounet
urban planner. won the national grand prize for architecture in
lackes Chevallier appointed Pouillon as 1977
chief architect of the cit and entrusted
him with the design of Diar el-Mahçoul.

Free from any architectural trend, its architecture represents an among the architects favored by Chevallier, despite his disagreement
amalgam of modern architecture, local and Mediterranean heritage, and with Pouillon, the chief architect.
classicism. He worked in Algeria even after independence. He was very influenced by the work of Le Corbusier. But he was also a
Diar el-Mahçoul. A difficult to develop site which required an earthwork great admirer of local architecture in Algeria. His architecture was
of 100,000 m2 and long retaining walls. marked by spontaneous construction and the daily life of the Algerian
"The Diar El-Mahsoul project, approx.: 1500 units: normal comfort city population.
and simple comfort city! The 1st facing the sea and offering beautiful 1+°st project designed in collaboration with Parisian architects A. Daure
views is allocated to Europeans, the 2nd is designated to natives. and H. Béri, who already won the competition in 1955 for the Cité-
Montagne complex, intended for the Muslim population.

Simounet Daure and Béri Cité

Horizontal housing considered
montagne 1955
"Climat de France 2" draws inspiration from the project of the 200 the most suitable for risidents
Columns in the city of Isfahan, particularly the grand Maydan-Shah. This coming from rural areas and
public space is characterized by its introverted nature and is recently settled in Algiers
surrounded by columns arranged on two levels.
Le plan de constantine The Sacré cœur Church
The Economic and Social Development Plan in Algeria or Constantine Plan Built from 1956, the building's designers were Paul Herbe and Jean Le
(1959-1963). Couteur, in collaboration with engineer Rene Sarger.
An economic program developed by the French government in 1958 after Inspired by the Gospel, particularly the verse "has pitched his tent among
General De Gaulle came to power. us," the architecture features a dome rising 35 meters above the floor of
The main objectives set by this plan are: the nave.
* the construction of 200,000 homes, providing accommodation for 1 million The dome is supported by eight pillars raised above four columns with
people; distinctive curves, reminiscent of enormous mushrooms.
*the redistribution of 250,000 hectares of agricultural land; the irrigation Concrete is the dominant material inside the building, with the dome
development, " appearing suspended.
the creation of 400,000 industrial jobs; The nave measures 52 meters long by 35 meters wide.
*the schooling of all children of school age by 1966; Stained glass windows line the building, visually dividing it into two parts.
*the employment of an increased proportion of French Muslims from Algeria The stained glass windows depict various religious symbols and themes,
in the civil service (10%) including the hand of God at the burning bush, the red-hearted Lamb of
Speed of production and lost quality God, fish, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The urban planning resulting from Constantine's plan reflected the hasty Architecture and urban planning after independence
spirit and consequently the lack of concern for quality. Algeria 1962-1970
Poor housing lacking thermal and sound insulation. Call for foreign skills, especially anti-imperialist (often from the Eastern
Response above all to the requirements of speed of execution and bloc (socialist-communist countries).
production, and low cost. Total absence of Algerian skills, no trained Algerian architects or town
Prefabrication system: elements produced and assembled on site. planners.
A "minimal existence" cell typology with exposed corridors and stairwells, Maintenance and renewal of colonial legal and technical structures.
making maintenance very difficult. (Anonymous public spaces). French regulations completely readapted.
Corridor bars : reducing shelter housing Priority to large equipment, industries, bridges and roads. Reconstruction
Marcel Lathuilière et Nicholas Di Martino, Cité Haouch Oulid Adda, plan d* of infrastructure destroyed during the war. Urgent needs for social
une cellule d' habitation, 1959. (1) living room, (2) bedroom, (3) water closet, facilities (hospitals, schools, etc.).
(4) kitchen, (5) entry, (6) loggia, (7) public hallway. Postponement of the question of Housing, considering it secondary,
especially with the departure of Europeans and the availability of vacant
housing.
Independence and colonial heritage
1. A million "Europeans" * nicknamed "Pieds-Noirs' 'left Algeria in 1962 and left
their homes empty.
2. Nine million Algerians have recovered the colonial cities. A vast movement
of exodus towards cities whose real estate stock is estimated at around
300,000 buildings.
3. Inheritance of exogenous typologies: Most inherited dwellings were built
according to the socio-cultural needs of Europeans.
4. By appropriating this built environment, the cities became a field of
confrontation between Algerian society and the colonial built environment. A
theme that deserves to be considered for academic research.
Industrialization of building
Heavy industry as a shortcut to progress. Technology as a development
strategy as it is in Western countries.
In the field of construction: industrialization provides a massive and rapid
response to broad social needs. An option which has already been
adopted by several countries after independence and especially in the
Eastern bloc (USSR).
Resuming ideas from H.L.M. and the Grands Ensembles that France Case of the University of Blida (Skidmoore/USA):
applied in the Parisian suburbs and Great Britain around London. • malfunction,
Production using heavy and automated machinery in order to reduce the unsuitability for climate, *
cost and production time. urban geometric formalism and plan based on a rotated square, a decorative
Urbanism and Z.H.U.N : reference (la faience!)
1970-1980: Introduction of ZHUN (new urban housing zone), a town Pouillon back in Algeria:
planning tool resembling Grands Ensembles. Maintaining friendships with Algerian FLN members, he was invited and
Large-scale housing projects with 1000 to 3000 units at a time. entrusted with the design of the entire tourist structure of Algeria:
Urban layout dictated by the "path of the crane" leading to dominance of *Moretti, Sidi-Frej, Zeralda, Tipaza, Oran-Les Andalous, Tigzirt, Tichy,
cars and disappearance of traditional urban features like streets and Annaba).
squares. *In the South: •Biskra, Ouargla, Ghardaia, Timimoun, Beni-Abbas, Ain Sefra,
Lack of support facilities and emergence of dormitory towns devoid of Bou-Saada, Saida, Bechar.
daytime urban life. Inspiration from local style, but often formal.
Architecture characterized by repetitive cells and standardized Folklorism: For the pleasure of the tourist.
construction elements, resulting in monotony. Andre raverau:
Continuous alteration of exterior facades reflects sociocultural expression He headed the Architecture and Historical Monuments department in the
and rejection of imposed models. 1970s.
Calls to great architects: He published 2 works on the Mzab and the Casbah.
The Ministry of Higher Education enlisted architects such as Oscar He created the Mzab and Casbah workshops
Niemeyer, Kenzo Tange, and Skidmore to design universities. He is interested in domestic, non-monumental architecture.
The Ministry of Construction and Urban Planning commissioned Ricardo Strong influence on the academic and university environment, Belgians,
Bofill for significant housing projects. Swiss, French and Germans.
Outcome: A school of thought seeking scale, the liberation of Cartesian geometry,
Architecture underwent internationalization, but with insufficient and the development of the horizontal template.
oversight and control, leading to concerns regarding adaptation. Residential district in Beni-lzguen and Bounoura using local forms.
Heterogeneity emerged in architectural styles and expressions. Contribution to the birth of thought on spontaneous and popular architecture
Algerian cities served as experimental laboratories for testing and work. widespread in European universities (Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, etc.).
Architects juggled considerations of financial benefits, socio-cultural A low impact on the professional level and the field of achievement
values, and contextual relevance in their designs.
Oscar Niemeyer
Brazilian architect (1907-2012)
Close friend of President Boumediene. He entrusted him with several
projects:
the university of UST Bab Ezzouar, EPAU and Constantine, the sports hall,
the Great Mosque of Algiers.
Purely formalistic and expensive approach. Monumental scale.
Functionality: scale of spaces and distances entirely sacrificed to artistic The slums (bidonvilles )the housing crisis
GESTURE. An international phenomenon known in several countries: Latin
Other projects, such as the mosque on the sea, were abandoned by the America, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Africa reflecting the informal sector.
authorities. Inspiration from "the female body". Studies done by Paul Oliver, John Turner on Favelas as a source of
When I draw, only concrete will allow me to master a curve of such broad inspiration. Turner: "Habitat is a verb that is conjugated and not a fixed
scope. Concrete suggests flexible forms, contrasts of forms, through a noun."
continuous modulation of space which opposes the standardization of the In Algeria: A direct consequence of the city-country, North-South
repetitive systems of international functionalism' imbalance. An image of social disparity and injustice.
Failure of the housing policy given that it is based on quantitative
programming, standardization and centralization of the housing issue.
State monopoly.
A field of sociological study reflecting an entirely neglected way of life
of the Algerian family.
Illicit housing and demolition operations:
Algiers andprestige projects 1980-1990: Housing crisis prompts a policy of constructing 100,000
• Riyadh El_feth: Large prestigious operation housing units annually to reach 1 million units.
accompanying the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Illicit and unfinished constructions proliferate due to authorities'
the revolution in 1984. inability to meet societal needs, leading to cities developing without
• Makam El-chahid: cultural and leisure complex urban plans or infrastructure.
dominated by a symbolic monument! 3 concrete elements "Grands Ensembles" concept revisited as a response.
90m high marking the urban landscape of the city of Potential inspiration from spontaneous housing phenomenon for
Algiers. better meeting Algerian family needs (architects like Roland Simounet,
• El-Moujahid Museum extending from the Riyad El-Feth Paul Oliver, John Turner).
esplanade. Produced by the Canadian Lavalin Group Regulations favoring regularization of illegal dwellings, revising
(recently tried for corruption). eradication policies due to scale of the phenomenon (e.g., Law 15/08
• El Aurassi Hotel: with its 14 floors and 455 rooms, it for bringing constructions into conformity).
dominates the bay of Algiers by offering aggressive Former minister Temmar indicated over 553,000 precarious dwellings
modern architecture marking the urban landscape and occupied by 668,000 families, with 325,405 in urban areas in 2007.
contrasting in scale and style with its environment. Question arises about the forced recognition or retreat of the State in
the face of this social phenomenon.
The 1000 agricultural villages:
Degradation of heritage
Destruction of rural space and destabilization of its population due to
Legal void: Erasure of the pre-colonial administrative system that
colonialism.
managed the Casbah before 1830.
Resumption of the Constantine Plan to improve rural living conditions and
Lack of upkeep and maintenance previously ensured by habus, touiza, and
support the peasant population.
personal interest of inhabitants.
Aim to achieve balance between urban and rural areas to reduce rural
Radical change in social structure: Casbah became a place of resettlement
exodus and mitigate overpopulation in large cities.
and transit for the poor.
Requalification of agricultural space as a vital economic sector.
Authorities' focus on development and progress led to neglect of urban
Project aligns with the policy of three revolutions: industrial, agricultural,
heritage.
and cultural, promoting socialism.
Post-1980, conservation plans failed to maintain or preserve the Casbah
Spatial transformations in villages post-creation, reflecting adaptation of
despite its UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1992.
proposed typology to real population needs and scalability of user
Training of architects :
requirements.
In 1963, the School of Fine Arts was established in Algeria under the
Search for rural habitat and architecture inspired by the Algerian village.
leadership of Rachid Ben Yelles, Claro, and Bouchama.
Typology emphasizes single-storey detached houses with interior
The first architectural diplomas were awarded in 1968, and in 1970, the
courtyards.
School of Architecture was founded with 26 diplomas conferred.
Horizontal development at medium or low density to preserve rural
From 1970 to 1974, there were approximately 20 graduates annually, but
character.
this number increased significantly from 1976 to 1983 to around 60 per
Sites directly linked to countryside and agriculture, integrating with
year.
natural surroundings.
By 1985, there were a total of 1000 trained architects, with an average of
Integrated facilities include schools, mosques, dispensaries, town halls,
120 graduates per year,
and post offices for community needs.
Training of architects (programmes):
Training programs in architecture in Algeria have been developed by
foreigners, often modeled on European university systems, particularly
those of Italy and France.
Architecture education emphasizes creativity and functionality, with
imagination being the primary source of inspiration. There is a tendency to
reference architectural practices in "developed" countries.
Access to written and visual documentation, including libraries, the
internet, and magazines, reinforces this trend. However, there is a notable
absence of documentation on local heritage, which contributes to a
limited understanding and appreciation of indigenous architectural
traditions.

An agricultural village (VSA: Village Socialiste Agricole)

 Architecture and urban planing after indipendence: The identity crisis at the citizen:
The notion of identity in architecture: Algerian citizens have experienced a loss of urban culture and
Collective identity is the set of cultural and social characteristics which architectural traditions after years of colonial domination.
unite a society or group and distinguish them from other groups or Colonialism disrupted lifestyles, leading to cultural ambivalence and
societies, a disconnection from local heritage.
The concept of identity is linked to that of collective memory, of which There is a nostalgia for traditional architecture, but it often fails to
places and buildings constitute the physical framework. meet contemporary needs and aspirations.
Maurice Halbwachs (1925, 42) considers that: "spatial images play a Aspirations for modernity and globalization influence architectural
primordial role in collective memory. preferences, with foreign models being promoted through mass
• "The place receives the imprint of the group, and vice versa. (.) Each aspect, media and interactions with foreigners.
each detail of this place itself has a meaning which is only intelligible to the The shift away from traditional courtyard housing towards more
members of the group, because all the parts of the space that it has occupied extroverted designs is driven more by the desire for modernity than
correspond to so many different aspects of the structure and life of their functional, climatic, or technological reasons.
society" The architects ‘deficiencies:
A postcolonial consequence of the colonial Training largely in response to wealthy people and entertainment
policy of uprooting Algerian origins, and of needs.
rooting in French culture, is the state of Lack of knowledge of society and neglect of the real challenges of
ambivalence between two cultures in town planning and Algerian society.
contemporary Algerian society. Content with a technical and artistic bent.
"Culture" and "sociology of space" are marginalized.
Decolonization of knowledge (also epistemic decolonization or Trend towards creativity and utopia
epistemological decolonization) is a concept advanced in decolonial The colonial inherited legislation and architecture:
scholarship that critiques the perceived hegemony of Western Cities have been significantly altered due to the reappropriation of
knowledge systems. In architecture it colonial heritage and the adverse effects of urban development.
The notion of decolonisation in architecture: Urban policies and architectural directions are often driven by
Decolonization in architecture entails freeing minds from colonial quantitative needs arising from rapid population growth and poor
influences and integrating local or non-Western knowledge. management practices.
Yasmeen Lari, a Pakistani architect, exemplifies this approach, Following independence, the Constituent Assembly of Algeria faced
transitioning from modernist ideals to prioritize humanitarian challenges in providing legislation that aligned with the country's
concerns. needs and aspirations, leading to the renewal of colonial-era laws
Lari's architecture now focuses on addressing issues related to with some adjustments to safeguard national sovereignty.
decolonization and decarbonization, reflecting a broader trend in the Legislative texts were extensively revised to reflect the change from
field towards inclusivity and sustainability. the French Republic to the Algerian Republic, as outlined in
Ordinance 62-157 dated December 31, 1962.
 Criticism of Bouchama's approach:
The lasting effect of the inherited built environment: the use of reinforced concrete in his design has often betrayed his
Many Algerian cities and their built environments originated during the identity approach and reduced his work to a simple mimicry and pastiche
colonial period, resulting in a clash between the built environment and its of bygone elements. Stone elements (the arch, the dome) redesigned in
intended use. concrete?
This clash has direct repercussions on space quality, aesthetics, and Formal neo-Moorish style and sometimes betrayed by other references,
management. example of when Al-Kawther, which refers to Taj Mahal
The ongoing transformation of urban facades in cities like Algiers, as well Formalism at the expense of functioning,
as the significant reorganization of interior spaces within houses and Serious issues of functionality (minaret, prayer room, useless corridors)
apartments, provide rich material for studying architecture and urban Example of unsuccessful Practices •
sociology in the post-colonial context. Hydra Mosque: The Hydra Mosque, inspired by Berber jewelry,
Abderahmane bouchama demonstrates a misguided attempt to incorporate local heritage into
Abderahmane Bouchama (1910-1985): Considered the father of Algerian contemporary architecture. However, the execution may lack maturity
architecture, Bouchama pursued higher studies in France before World and sophistication, resulting in a design that feels forced or superficial.
War II, specializing in mathematics in Nantes and later studying at the Beni-Mered Mosque: Similarly, the Beni-Mered Mosque, with its dome
Beaux-Arts in Paris. resembling architecture from India, represents another instance of
Post-Independence Projects: After Algeria gained independence, unsuccessful integration of cultural references. While intending to evoke a
Bouchama was entrusted with various projects, including the National sense of heritage, the design may come across as disconnected or
Archives, the Supreme Court, the Caroubier University of Islamic Sciences, inauthentic, failing to resonate with its intended audience or context.
and the Al-Kawthar Mosque.
Collaboration with Léon Claro: Bouchama worked closely with architect
Léon Claro and contributed to several joint projects in Algiers.
Architectural Style: Bouchama's style was characterized by a return to
neo-Moorish architecture, which became the official architectural style
favored by Algerian political authorities post-independence.
Challenges with Materials: Despite his intent to evoke historical Islamic
architecture, Bouchama's designs often relied on new materials like
concrete, leading to accusations of mimicry and superficiality.
Identity Concerns: Bouchama's work reflects a deep concern for
recovering the identity erased by colonialism, often sentimentalizing past
periods of Muslim civilization.
Criticism of Formalism: Critics argue that Bouchama's focus on formalism
sometimes overshadowed functional considerations, as seen in the design
of the Al-Kawthar Mosque.
Multiplicity of Minarets: Bouchama's inclusion of multiple minarets in his
designs, often without functional necessity, has been criticized as wasteful
and inconsistent with Islamic architectural principles.