The decorative treatment of the façades of the ksar of Aït Benhaddou in southern Morocco: material, relief, and light-and-shadow articulation

A comparative analysis of three façades in the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Morocco, reveals distinct decorative principles governing their organization. The northern façade follows a tripartite division, the western one contrasts smooth surfaces with relief, and the residential façade emphasizes horizontal rhythm. Recurring geometric modules adapt their function based on structural context, while the interplay between ornament, wall material, and natural light—particularly oblique lighting—enhances legibility of niches, recesses, and lattice patterns. Deep elements remain visible under varied conditions, whereas shallow relief is most expressive in angled sunlight. This study innovates by comparing these façades for the first time, offering insights into their decorative system without claiming comprehensiveness.

Pallades, A. A. (2026). The decorative treatment of the façades of the ksar of Aït Benhaddou in southern Morocco: material, relief, and light-and-shadow articulation. Манускрипт, 19(3), 1599–1606. https://doi.org/10.30853/mns20260204