Characterizing Sustainability and Assessing Biophilic Design in Vernacular Architecture: Case of Kasbahs and Ksour in South of Morocco

Moroccan vernacular architecture, exemplified by the Kasbahs and Ksour of southern Morocco, demonstrates significant sustainability and biophilic design qualities. A study analyzing 11 heritage buildings against 54 biophilic attributes revealed that traditional Moroccan architectural values can be harnessed to preserve cultural heritage while delivering sustainable solutions for contemporary practice. This research bridges a gap in understanding how biophilic principles can be applied to vernacular contexts, offering culturally relevant and eco-friendly design approaches. The findings are particularly timely as modern society increasingly spends time indoors, highlighting the potential of traditional designs to address the needs of an 'indoor generation'.

Abyaa, Z., El Harrouni, K., & Degron, R. (2025). Characterizing Sustainability and Assessing Biophilic Design in Vernacular Architecture: Case of Kasbahs and Ksour in South of Morocco. Sustainability, 17(10), 4680. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104680