The M’Zab valley is in the northern part of the Algerian Sahara, some 600 kilometres from the capital Algiers. It lies 500 metres above sea level, on a rocky plateau that is crossed by dry river beds. In this valley, the cultivation of the palm grove is vital for the survival of the population and the ecosystem as a whole, so settlements are built on rocky outcrops, leaving the most fertile land for cultivation. The five historic fortified cities (ksour) in the valley – known collectively as the pentapolis of M’Zab – were inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 1982.
The industrialisation of the Sahara and the expansion of the oil industry have boosted the economy of the valley. The proximity of two major oil fields, at Hassi Messaoud (240kilometres away) and Hassi Rmel (40 kilometres), has resulted in an influx of large numbers of workers, making Ghardaia a transit centre. The housing crisis that characterises the whole country is consequently even more acute in this region. This project is an attempt to solve the eternal dilemma of how to preserve authenticity while introducing new amenities. It aims to create a new town that evokes the traditional image yet responds to ever-changing contemporary needs and provides the necessary modern conveniences. (en libre téléchargement)
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