A framework for contextualising the formation and transformation of the medina in North Africa

A holistic framework has been developed to contextualize the formation and transformation of North African medinas, specifically those in Tripoli, Tunis, and Fez. This framework identifies key factors shaping these historic urban centers and examines the drivers behind their physical and social transformations, driven by colonization, modernization, and globalization. The study combines comparative case studies with interviews involving users, decision-makers, and architects to capture the essence of traditional medinas while addressing the realities of social change within housing transformation. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how these forces alter urban fabric, architectural styles, social structures, and inhabitants' perceptions and use of spaces. The framework is also proposed as a valuable tool for exploring similar transformations in other cities with comparable contexts.

Abudib, H. H., & Remali, A. M. (2019). A framework for contextualising the formation and transformation of the medina in North Africa. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 13(3), 557–572. https://doi.org/10.1108/arch-05-2019-0118