From disintegration to valorization: What perspectives and multi-scale approaches towards a sustainable territorial design for the architecture of Kasbahs and Ksour in southern Morocco?

A sustainable, multi-scale approach to preserving and revitalizing Morocco's historic Kasbahs and Ksour—fortified structures built from rammed earth—can balance heritage conservation with modern needs while fostering economic development. This study identifies key threats like natural degradation, rural exodus, and inadequate maintenance, advocating for community-driven strategies that integrate local practices and tourism. Successful examples, such as the UNESCO-listed Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, demonstrate how collaborative initiatives can ensure cultural continuity and resilient local economies. By blending traditional techniques with contemporary urban planning, these architectures emerge as catalysts for sustainable territorial development in southern Morocco.

ABYAA, Z. (2025). From disintegration to valorization: What perspectives and multi-scale approaches towards a sustainable territorial design for the architecture of Kasbahs and Ksour in southern Morocco? Vernacular Architecture, 47, 294–301. https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903391-34